Romans 2:4: Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
God is a merciful God; his purposes are always purposes of mercy. He may at times be engaged in activities like judgment that seem to the casual observer to be directed against the sinner. But even God’s judgments must be seen in a context of mercy; they are meant to lead people to repentance and forgiveness. God never punishes for the sake of punishment. And if this is the case with judgment, much more is it so with God’s forbearance. 1
Sometimes God brings people to himself through difficulties as they come to the end of themselves and cast their lives upon him. But he also draws people to repentance through “kindness, tolerance and patience.” No one should assume he is all right with God just because life is easy for him at a given time. God calls people through sunshine as well as through rain. 2
Application
- How did you experience the goodness of God yesterday?
- When was the last time that God’s goodness led you to repentance?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being patient with me and for never giving me what I deserve.
1. Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
