Journal Entry // June 23, 2022
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? (ESV)
Romans 2:4
Gods’ kindness is meant to lead me to repentance. This is something I truthfully don’t think that often about. In all honesty, I am much like Paul’s statement here that I presume upon the amazing kindness of God in my life. His kindness that is meant to expose my falsehood and unbelief and then naturally lead me to repentance and faith, this same kindness I twist and turn to my own selfishness and allow it to puff me up with pride and arrogance. Worse than that I allow myself to see the kindness of God and view it as confirmation that the Lord is pleased with the current state of my heart and then use it as an encouragement to keep carrying on in my ways, instead of letting his kindness expose the darkness within and be drawn to the beauty of Christ.
I presume on God’s kindness and patience. I presume on the riches of his kindness and patience. There is not just some kindness and patience being spread over me, but there is a richness to this kindness. The riches of his kindness and patience. This thought that what matters most, the things that can be counted as riches, are kindness and patience and forbearance. These are the riches of God’s economy. And I presume upon them.
I know this is true in my heart. I know that God’s kindness and patience with me is so overwhelming. I can readily and easily look back over the last few years or even the last few months and see God’s kindness and patience shining through in abundance. Yet, I don’t let it affect my heart at times. I treat the riches of his kindness as an everyday occurrence. I treat it as if it is as sure to be there as the sun rising in the morning. I forget that it is only by God’s kindness and patience that the sun does rise each morning. I take it for granted that the universe will keep operating the way it has for my lifetime.
I become too complacent with the beauty and perfection of God. I take for granted the riches of his kindness. I see this blessing in my life and just move on. I have stopped letting it touch me and move me. I need it to move my heart once again. I need to see this overwhelming kindness and patience move me to tears. I need it to cut me deeply. I need it to lead me to repentance and faith. I need my heart to first see this kindness and patience on a regular basis and be reminded of the riches of Christ. I need to be moved emotionally. I need to have my emotions engaged with his kindness. I need to see this kindness and run to Christ in humbleness. To love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.