By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Romans 2:4-5 “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” – NIV
Paul had in no uncertain terms expressed God’s anger towards those who deliberately reject and pervert the gospel, given themselves to gross evil despite being fully aware about the truth, and were judging others and yet practicing the same things. He let them know it was God’s unprecedented kindness, tolerance and patience which had sustained them before His judgement fell. God was patient, giving them time to repent and change their ways.
But they instead showed contempt for this grace of God by remaining sturbon and unrepentant. Certain judgement awaited them. When God seems quiet as men continue in evil, despise His kindness and patience, and doesn’t seem to react to their hardness of heart, it may be taken for weakness. But in His mercy and grace, God is instead giving people time to realise their fallennes, repent of their wicked ways and turn to Him.
May we not be tempted to take God’s patience, grace and kindness for granted and assume He has ignored our disobedience. Remember Samson! Let’s heed His loving correction and restoration as He brings us back to righteousness and holiness. When we stumble, allow Him raise us back to our feet. He is a gracious compassionate God, not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance and be saved.
Revelation 2:21-22 “I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.”
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Shalom children of God.