18-Apr-2024 – Divine Kindness: The Pathway to Repentance
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? -Romans 2:4
Today as part of our theme of this month which is, “publish the works of God”, we are meditating about one of the wonderful work of God. That is, the “goodness of God” being a way for us to repent.
I was wondering how can the goodness of God makes us to repent. For that I should understand what is goodness. The word used in Greek was “Chrestotes”. This means moral goodness, integrity and kindness. In the context of the verse, the goodness is towards a person who was not doing according to the expectations of God. So we can understand the goodness here is kindness.
In the human perspective, if we are showing kindness, tolerance towards a person who was doing bad things for us, there are two possible outcomes. The first one: he would think of you as an impotent to compete and continue to oppress or doing the same bad things without realising the goodness and kindness.
The second one: he would think about the way you are treating him good and with kindness tolerating all the bad stuff, and be ashamed of himself. Slowly he will realise his part and develops a sense of guilt and stops doing the bad things. This leads to repentance.
In the context of the verse also, God out of his nature, providing us a chance to repent of our bad behaviour. There is a day of judgement. On this day, God will be seated on the judgement seat to judge according to whatever we did.
If we are in the first category who don’t realise the goodness, kindness and tolerance of God and misses the opportunity of repentance, they will be judged without kindness. But there is a chance for us to get into the second category and understand the goodness and kindness of God. Then when we repent, God already laid for us the way of salvation which is Jesus Christ.
When we repent, we will get into the presence of God in the name of Jesus Christ, and seek forgiveness and correct our ways according to the word of God. This way, we will be receiving the kind judgement on that day.
That’s why it is the most wonderful work of God, keeping the doors open for a continued sinner to have a chance of returning to God.
Prayer
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank you for you love and grace. Thank you for teaching today about an important aspect for our spiritual journey. In my life there are things which I am doing that hurts you, and not glorify you. But you are giving me chance by showing your goodness and kindness by sending your words to gather me again with an encouragement. Help me Lord to set the things right, when the time is still available. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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