Tuesday, June 7, 2011

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)

Curtain timephoto © 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)
Forgivenessphoto © 2010 Tashi Jay | more info (via: Wylio)

I'm linking up!
Posted by Melissa R at 6:16 AM
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7 comments :

  1. Laura@OutnumberedMomJune 7, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    I stand convicted, Melissa. But I do love the good news at the end!

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  2. MelindaJune 7, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Chasing butterflies - what a perfect illustration! Thanks for the reminder this morning.

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  3. CraigJune 7, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    this verse – it gets to me to. I heart what you did with it– and what it did with you. In spite of our failures – YES – he loves us in spite of our failures. And I almost clicked on the Kellogg's thing above – I'm just not much of a joiner – but I almost did – so bring it back sometime soon if you can – I join things that people I trust are involved with – I just take a while sometimes. Thank you for the above post – and thank you for this post. God bless and keep you Melissa.

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  4. RedkathyJune 7, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Ouch is right and we all say it just that some(me) say it louder and more often(me again) than others. Thank you for the reminder and thank Him for the hope that we have!

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  5. loriJune 9, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    I love when a verse jumps out like that. It couldn't be plainer. And, chasing butterflies? Yeah, I do that sometimes :)

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  6. Brandee ShaferJune 9, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    You're right: so easy to get off track. How blessed we are to have a Heavenly Father who points us home, via his Word.

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  7. emily wierengaJune 9, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    i love that you linked... what a beautiful place you have here... i'm looking forward to getting to know you better, friend. thank you for this imagery of chasing butterflies; for reminding me of what matters. bless you. xo

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