Bible Verse of The Day – 5-8-20

Romans 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

As I was studying in the book of Romans this morning, I began getting revelation of a few different things that I had never paid much attention to before. God was opening my eyes to things that I had not seen in the past, even though I had read them many times.

In the verse above, I caught the last phrase in particular; “not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance”.

Many people talk about the mercy of God toward sinners. We often hear about this mercy in the sense that it keeps us from being destroyed by God’s wrath. And this is very true.

Today, though, I got understanding that there is more to His mercy than just sparing us from punishment.

Sometimes using different translations can shed light on things that we might not otherwise see. So, let’s take a look at the words above in a different translation and see what it reveals.

Romans 2:4 (NLT) 4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

Romans 2:4 (NIV) 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?

Take a look at the last part of both of those. Notice what it says? It clearly states that God’s kindness (mercy) is intended to lead us to repentance (away from our sin).

So, it’s important that we understand this and not mistake His mercy (kindness) as a license to continue in our sinful ways.

This devotional is not meant in any way at all to point a finger at anyone or make accusations.

Instead, it is meant to help us better understand God’s mercy in action in each of our lives, leading us to appreciate that mercy even more, because we all need it in action as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808

401-315-0902

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