Reflection
Romans 2:4 reminds us that God is good, patient, and longsuffering with us, and that His goodness should lead us to repentance. Part of that goodness is the patience He shows us when we get it wrong. He gives us an opportunity to recognize what we’re doing, repent, and change. His patience, however, should never be mistaken for His approval.
Notice what Brother Paul warns us about in verse 5. Instead of allowing God’s goodness to soften our hearts, we can become stubborn and keep doing what we know isn’t pleasing to Him. The Apostle Paul tells us that this is having a hard and impenitent heart. The more we resist what God is showing us, the easier it can become for us to ignore His correction and continue doing things our own way.
As we begin this week, perhaps we should ask ourselves: Have I mistaken God’s patience for His approval? Is God showing me something in my life that I continue to resist? Is His goodness leading me to repent and change, or have I become comfortable with something I know doesn’t please Him? God’s patience is an expression of His mercy. Let us not take it for granted.
Prayer
Merciful God, in the name of Jesus, thank You for Your goodness, patience, and mercy toward us. Forgive us for the times we have mistaken Your patience for approval or resisted what You were showing us. Soften our hearts and reveal those areas in our lives where we need to repent and change. Help us not to take Your goodness for granted but to respond with obedience and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a marvelous Monday and a miraculous God-filled week!
KEEP THE FAITH!
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