Kindness that Leads to Repentance

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?––Romans 2:4

I’ve been thinking about two things in relation to this verse over the last couple of weeks. First, I am amazed again by the character of God. He is holy. He has never sinned and is all-powerful. He is worthy of all of our unceasing worship and attention and obedience. He is God. 

So often we do not act like he is worthy of all of our worship or act as if he is actually holy and cares that we sin. We grow apathetic or indifferent––and maybe subconsciously think that the lack of consequences means our obedience and worship doesn’t really matter. And yet, the reality is our Father will discipline those he loves (Hebrews 12:4–11). 

His kindness, forbearance, and patience are paid for by the blood of Jesus and meant to lead us to turn, repent, and walk with him more closely. He’s so good to be patient with us, but we should not mistake his kindness and patience for indifference. Instead, let’s pause now and thank him for how kind he is to us in Jesus––and continues to be in our lives. Let’s thank him for how patient he is with us! And let’s again be amazed by the gospel and let it lead us to repentance and fellowship with Jesus. 

Secondly, I’ve been thinking about how we can extend this same kindness, patience, and forbearance with each other. It strikes me that those things are the exact opposite of what we most often see around us. 

Kindness? Biblical kindness means an eagerness to do someone else good not based on circumstances. Look around and you’ll see a world making everything transactional or self-centered in so many ways. 

Patience? Look around and you’ll see a world of instant gratification and a very quick trigger when it comes to canceling, ending relationships, and hard lines of divide. 

Forbearance? Look around and you’ll see a world wanting to shout the perceived wrongs of others, punish them for it, and make sure everyone knows how bad they are. 

But, even closer to home––in our parenting, marriages, friendships, families, and workplaces––it’s hard to believe that kindness, patience, and forbearance will bring about the change we’re hoping for in others. It’s easier to demand, shout, yell, get bitter, and try to force change. It’s easier to get annoyed, frustrated, and just help everyone understand how wrong they are. 

Perhaps the first thought could lead to a change in the second thought. Perhaps if we were amazed again and our hearts were softened again by the kindness, patience, and forbearance of God in the gospel, we’d be more prone to live out that pattern in the sphere of influence God has placed us in. 

Praying with you for more amazement in the gospel for all of us and for more gospel patterns in the way we seek to love those around us.