Friday Reflection December 3, 2021
Show Mercy
Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
Romans 2:4 NRSV
https://bible.com/bible/2016/rom.2.4.NRSV
Background
In the previous verse, Paul declared firmly that as people we all deserve God’s wrath for our sins.This verse then draws our attention to an important message regarding God’s mercy. Paul speaks to anyone and everyone who does not believe they are guilty of the types of sins mentioned in Romans 1, which might lead to a judgmental attitude.
Discussion
There are some Christians who feel as though their relationship with God exempts them from His judgment for sins they would have committed. In light of that, they become so judgmental about the sinfulness of others forgetting their own!
Paul carefully points out in verse 4 of chapter 2 that self-righteous people take for granted the richness of God’s mercy, patience, and forbearance. They fail to understand God’s immense goodness by assuming He will never judge their sin, even though He may judge the faults of others.
Paul went on in the next few verses to explain the danger that is associated with this kind of thinking. However, that is not where our focus is for this discussion. For now our focus should be on the latter part of verse 4. God’s love is intended to bring sinners to repentance. The question is asked “Do you not realize that God’s kindness is meant to bring us to repentance?” God is giving us time, He’s not pouring out His wrath immediately because He is a merciful God and it is not His will that any one of us should perish. If each of us were to receive God’s wrath the moment we sin, Oh my goodness! What a world it would be! We must always consider what our lives would be like if we didn’t have God’s Grace and mercy. Take a few minutes today and think about what your life would be like without God’s mercy.
Application
If we judge others, we are showing contempt for God’s mercy. Not only his mercy towards them, but also his mercy and patience towards us. God’s patience towards sinners should make us have a change of mind and be patient toward sinners, too.
Blessing and peace be with all those who read and listen to today’s reflection. Remember, show mercy to those who sin! Let me just say though, showing mercy does not mean we are to condone sinfulness.We must always be ready to speak up against sin without passing judgment. Know the difference and act accordingly. God bless you!
Shaneka Raymore Euphfa