Devotion: Romans 2:4

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?

Today’s verse needs a little context before we can get into it. Take a few moments to read Romans 2:1-4. In it we see that Paul is talking to people who pass judgement on others for sinning. He points out that they are also guilty and need to repent, since every one of us is subject to God’s judgment. We cannot have a judgemental attitude while also living in sin. It is hypocritical and we show contempt for God’s grace by doing so.

First let’s take a look at contempt to be sure everyone understands what it means. In the Bible, contempt represents a profound, willful disdain, arrogance, or scornful rejection of God, His commandments, or others, treating them as worthless. It is rooted in pride and is a serious moral failing that we often associate with the wicked. It is not something we want to be doing when it comes to the riches of His kindness. We do not want to take for granted the blessings He has given us and the patience He shows over and over again.

It is important to remember that His grace and mercy in dealing with mankind is not a sign of indifference. It is also not an endorsement of sinful behavior. Instead, it is meant to inspire us to see our sin and submit to Him in repentance. His patience with us isn’t a sign that our sin doesn’t matter. It does! And very much so. Instead, He calls each of us to turn from our sin and follow after Him forever. It is there that we find true repentance and are blessed with His grace and mercy.

Don’t let yourself slip into a judgemental attitude or think higher of yourself than others. We are called to love one another and to make disciples of every nation, which we cannot do if we are looking down at them. We are just as much a sinner as they are and in need of grace and forgiveness. Let go of those thoughts, repent of your own sin, and turn to Him today.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that at times I judge others when I shouldn’t. Help me to look at myself first and repent of my own sins instead of judging them for theirs. Amen

You might also like this:

Devotion: Psalm 141:2 Devotion: Psalm 16:9 Devotion: John 6:48