Romans 2:4 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?
We return to Romans today (and will be in Romans a lot this month) to learn what Paul had to say in verse 2:4. In it, he questions the response of the believers. Are they showing contempt? Or are they being led to repentance, as intended?
First let’s look at contempt and what it means biblically. Contempt is defined as “the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.” It can also mean “disregard for something that should be taken into account.” When we have contempt for God’s Word we disregard what He desires for us, looking at it as if it was beneath us and not worthy of our time.
God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience are not permission for us to sin, but serve as a call to repentance and transformation. We need to understand that it is God’s goodness which is meant to lead us to a changed heart. We transform our mind and our thinking (Romans 12:2) and we become new creations, taking thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) that are negative and meant to harm and laying them on the altar.
We should see that God’s kindness is not an invitation to continue in sin, but a motivation for people to turn away from it. Repentance means we turn away, a complete about face. We reverse direction. True repentance involves a sincere desire to change one’s ways and a shift in mindset from sin to righteousness.
Our lives are meant to be lived for God, glorifying Him and praising His name. In His kindness He sent His Son who redeemed us from death. Do not show contempt for this sacrifice. Do not downplay what He did for you. Accept His kindness and grace and repent, allowing Him to transform you into a new creation.
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