God's Kindness

But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Romans 2:3-5

When I think of how fallible I am, I get an overwhelming sense of awe because of how kind God has been to me, in spite of all my faults. God has been so kind, so tolerant and so patient with me, even when I wasn't kind, tolerant or patient with myself.  This is God's grace.

I need to constantly check myself to make sure I am as gracious with others as God has been with me, keeping in mind all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  This doesn't mean I don't correct someone who I believe is not following Biblical principles. Indeed, I must do this or else I will face God's wrath for the fall of a brother. Furthermore, it would be quite unkind for me to see someone sinking in a quagmire of sin without offering help. Yet, I must also comprehend how to assist as my sympathy can lead to a dependence on me and not on God.  I need to be so connected with the Holy Spirit that I must see the manner in which He is working in another's life and make way for Him to do so, for He knows best.

God is not kind, tolerant or patient with sin, but He is merciful to the sinner.  As carriers of the Holy Spirit we are empowered to overcome evil and love our enemies.  We have been given the eyes of Jesus through the Holy Spirit to see from His perspective.  Now look, what do you see?  Are you seeing God's Kindness working through your life to lead others to repentance?