“Do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
What humankind has done to God is a sad thing. It’s not only a sad thing but a terrible thing. Paul explained this in chapter one that God is the Creator, and the highest authority in the universe. But we’ve acted as if we were Him, living by our own set of rules. The human race has so “suppressed the truth” that our hearts and minds have become horribly twisted and distorted that many times we are unrecognizable from the way God originally made us. And because we have so warped God’s creation (ourselves), and worshiped other things than God and taught others to do the same, the Creator is rightfully going to set things straight. Chapter two is all about God’s judgment that’s coming, and how he is 100% right and just in bringing it.
Now the shocking part in this section is what Paul says next. Paul asks those who are under God’s judgment, those who are being stubborn in trusting Jesus with their life, he asks them this pointed question “do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (2:4)
Paul is saying that God is stalling. God is waiting. God is delaying. God is restraining his judgment for you and those around you. Because God is kind and not ruthless, even though he is 100% just in bringing judgment, he is waiting for you to repent and turn to him. This Judge is delaying and restraining his judgment right now, all so that our islands, our country, our world will turn to him.
God doesn’t want people to perish, but he wants them to be with him. God doesn’t need us, but he wants us! That’s one of the greatest reasons why Jesus stepped in and stood in our place on that cross, so that we would be free from God’s rightful judgment. The justice of God that was pointed at you was redirected and unleashed on your Substitute, Jesus Christ. This is God’s kindness to you. And if you experience it, then it will lead you to repentance. Remember, God is delaying for you, for your sister, for your neighbor, for your colleague, for your son, for your friend, for your city. God’s judgment is coming, but his kindness is restraining it, so that more people will be saved.
Today, who do you need to tell about God’s kindness so that they might repent?