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?
Living in a fast-moving society as we do, it is easy to become impatient and easily frustrated with ourselves, our children, and other people. We want people to do the right thing the right way and do it that way the first time. It’s a dangerous desire, really, because it leads so quickly to harsh words and attitudes against the one who has failed us. It leads us to raise our voices with our children or snap at our spouses. It leads to frustration with the bank teller who doesn’t move the line fast enough or the church member who complains too often.
I’m so thankful for the guidance God gives us in Romans 2:4 that He uses kindness to lead us to repentance. If He uses kindness to deal with me when I am wrong, I should be His reflection by extending the same mercy and understanding to other people. It’s hard to slow down enough to kindly talk through a situation. It takes time patience (which, by the way, is a fruit of allowing the Holy Spirit’s work in us) to gently remind when you’ve already gently reminded a thousand times. But of we are to be imitators of God, thereby showing a lost world how Jesus is, it is necessary for us to replace a quick fuse with patient kindness.
Speak Your Mind