28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

The kindness of God would lead you to repentance. 

Paul’s descriptions of God’s judgment in this passage might leave us shaking in our boots. He certainly painted a serious picture for the Romans! They had been condemning other people when they were guilty of the very same sins, so Paul warned them that God will “repay everyone according to his works” (Romans 2:6).

We know that we will all face judgment. But until that time, how does God deal with our sinfulness? He shows us “priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). And he does this because he wants to lead us to repent and return to him. He deeply wants us to enter into that close friendship with him that we were created for.

In his kindness, God is like the parent who waits up for his teenager to come home after breaking curfew, makes sure he is unharmed, and then asks questions to help him learn from his mistakes. This father helps his son face the consequences of his poor choices, and he offers heartfelt forgiveness so that his son can make a fresh start.

Jesus was patient with everyone, including the worst of sinners. He stuck with his disciples despite their countless missteps. And then, in the clearest possible sign of his patience and kindness, he offered his life for us on the cross. All so that he could open the way for us to return to the Father.

Today, Jesus stretches out his hand to grab hold of yours. He asks you to let go of the sin that drags you down. In him, our heavenly Father hasn’t just revealed his desire to save us. God has come alongside us, and he has dealt with the deepest root of our sinfulness. He has opened for us the way back to himself.

This is the patience of God. This is his forbearance. This is his kindness, which lovingly calls us to repentance.

“Father, let me never take your kindness for granted.”

Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9
Luke 11:42-46
Romans 2:1-11

WORD AMONG US