God’s Kindness Turns Us Away From Sin

February 16, 2016/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s
judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Romans 2:3-4 (NLT)

I’m judgmental.

My good friends in high school instantly knew from my body language whether or not I liked a person. I’ve never forgotten their observation and still work hard to overcome this subconscious habit.

While I’m generally more accepting of others than I was at 17, I still catch myself making mental judgments. I’m training myself to arrest those thoughts, remember that I’m no better, and quickly pray for that person – all the while hoping my body language doesn’t betray me.

However, what I find compelling in today’s verse is the last sentence:

God’s kindness is intended to turn us away from our sin.

No matter how many times I judge, God is patient. When I resolve not to judge again, He knows I will. Yet He forgives my sin and leads me toward change.

I get a fresh start every day, every hour – heck, every minute! This drives me to please Him – to become more like Jesus. Even though I’ll never come close to His perfection, I want to acknowledge and correct my faults.

His kindness, tolerance, and patience compel me to claim my sin, ask for forgiveness and try to improve.

Eugene Peterson’s translation of Romans 2:4 says “God is kind, but He’s not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.”

In what way is God being patient with you?

#SeedsofScripture #SlowToAnger

3 Comments

CHERRILYNN BISBANO on February 17, 2016 at 12:52 PM

Arrest the thought- I love that. I do find myself having judgmental thoughts. Thank you for this post Cathy. May it help us all to rethink the kindness of God toward us.

Reply
- CathyChung on March 2, 2016 at 9:20 PM
  
  I arrest many thoughts. I do the things I don't want to do…
  
  Reply
Anonymous on March 2, 2016 at 9:18 PM

I tend to procrastinate, and I'm very aware of that. I do not like that trait in me, and I know I sometimes do this. I am amazed at how many times He forgives me!!!!!! Thank you, lord! ……….. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!!

Reply

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