“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 ESV).
Don’t presume upon the riches of God’s kindness, thinking you will not appear before God’s judgment seat in the end. Don’t let the apparent way that He seems to let those who continue in sin prosper, and His patience towards evildoers in this world, lull you into doubting His existence. Or worse, despising Him as unjust because He does not judge sin immediately.
For it is His goodness that should soften your heart and bring you to repentance, changing your mind on self-rule and surrendering your will to His. And it is His forbearance and patience that should cause your heart to tremble because He is storing up His wrath for the Day of judgment.
For God is loving and good, but He is also holy and just. Repent therefore, and believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, that you might be forgiven and accepted on that Day.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Your kindness towards us. For even while we were sinners, Christ died for us and redeemed us. We repent of sin and yield our lives to You. Sanctify us and strengthen us to live as Your image-bearers in this world. In Jesus’ name, amen.