The Riches of His Kindness

It happens to most of us at some point.  We're reading the Bible and we come across a verse that we don't remember ever reading before.  Many of those times--at least in my own experience--it's a verse that hits us right between the eyes.

Coincidence?  I don't think so.  When this happens, I can almost picture the Lord turning the pages, holding my head (gently but firmly), and pointing to a specific verse.  It happened to me not long ago, and this was the verse that He brought to my attention:

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? (Romans 2:4, New International Version)

photo © 2005 Allan Engelhardt | more info (via: Wylio) Ouch.  When I read that verse, I could practically see the room darken and the curtain rise on a marathon reel of all the times I did exactly what Paul was writing about!

Even now, I am (as the words of the familiar hymn say) "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love ...."  I'm reminded of chasing butterflies.  I'm distracted by something in my peripheral vision.  I take one small step off the path, then another and another, all while chasing a butterfly that flits around in seemingly random directions.  Before I know it, I'm far off the path.  I may not be doing anything blatantly sinful, but I'm not following where the Lord is leading.  I'm showing contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, right?

But that's not the end of the story, for in Christ we always have hope!  Thank the Lord that He loves us in spite of our failures!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, New International Version)

photo © 2010 Tashi Jay | more info (via: Wylio)

I'm linking up!