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Read Romans 2:1–11
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1Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 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? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.
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
God’s character can shape the human heart. His unconditional love and reassuring presence comforts the lonely. His promises give hope to those who suffer. And, according to the apostle Paul, God’s kindness, tolerance and patience lead sinners to repentance. His kindness is displayed in many ways, but most notably through his Son, Jesus Christ. God’s righteous judgment was revealed and his wrath was satisfied when his own Son chose to bear the punishment for our sins. Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection conquers the power of evil and gives peace to the burdened soul. Those who rest in Christ need not fear Judgment Day or evil. They cling to the cross through faith and live daily in repentance. They are shaped by God’s character and the riches of his kindness.
Prayer
Righteous Father, reveal your character to me so that I rest in your Son Jesus Christ until he comes again. Amen.