God's Leading Kindness!

Perhaps we often wish this world were a kinder place. We dislike seeing injustice and ill-treatment of others. Unkind actions and words fuel conflict every day while others go about performing random acts of kindness, bringing a ray of sunshine into lives. We desire to be treated kindly and hopefully extend kindness toward others as well. How often are we shocked when our kindness is not responded to in kind. But then, how are we continuing to respond to the kindness of God?

As Paul addressed the uniting of Jews and Gentiles together in Christ, he used an illustration of an olive tree with its natural branches, grafted in branches, and branches being removed. In connection with this imagery Paul exhorted. . .

"Note then the KINDNESS AND THE SEVERITY OF GOD: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you CONTINUE IN HIS KINDNESS. Otherwise you too will be cut off." ( Romans 11:22 ESV)

Both the "severity" and "kindness" of God are to be kept in mind. We are accountable to Him. He has power over the eternal destiny of our soul. God means what He has declared in His Word. However, there are many who seem to "presume" on God's kindness to be forgiving and patient even when His kindness is not being appropriately responded to.

Earlier in this letter, Paul -- addressing some who were apparently not practicing what they were preaching (note Romans 2:1-3) -- noted the purpose for which God's kindness has been extended. We read. . .

"(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?" ( Romans 2:4 ESV)

God's kindness is a blessing to be wholeheartedly appreciated rather than something to be taken for granted. We are not to presume it is unending or will continue to be extended while we live life our own way. As the first passage above noted, we must "CONTINUE IN HIS KINDNESS." God's graciousness toward us is not to be viewed as freedom to keep on sinning. (note Jude 4) God's kindness is intended to LEAD US TO REPENTANCE! It is not intended to make us comfortable where we are, but rather to LEAD US TO CHANGE the direction of our life in order to remain in His kindness. To turn away from God's Will and continue doing our own removes us from the realm of His kindness and brings us under the wrath being stored up for the day of judgment. ( Romans 2:5)

Praise God for His merciful kindness. Let us appropriately respond in a manner revealing how much we truly do appreciate it. As with all of God's blessings, His kindness has a purpose. May that purpose daily prompt the responses He desires in our life.

Have a great day LIVING A GOD RESPONSIVE LIFE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Kindness