Devotion:
Read Romans 2:4-5.
Chapter two of this letter begins with an emphasis on not judging others. Earlier, Paul had listed a number of sins, but then turns to those who focus on judging others for their sins, saying they are just as guilty of sinning. He is driving home the point that we all stand in need of repentance, of constantly turning our lives more toward God.
Often, we in the church think only about the time when we first repented of our sins and made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We forget that repentance is an ongoing process. The Holy Spirit is always challenging us and inviting us to change our ways and follow the way of Christ. We can easily get focused on what some other person or group needs to do to change their ways and forget how stubborn we can also be to change.
Sometimes being stubborn can be a good thing, when it means we are being loyal in our trust of God. But when we are being stubborn by refusing to change our ways and follow God’s way, we can expect God’s judgment. Verse four of this passage reminds us that God’s grace (“...his kindness, forbearance and patience..”) is offered not just to “let us off the hook” but to call us to repentance, to change and turn toward God. What part of your attitude, thinking or way of relating to others needs to be turned more toward God?
Personal Worship Option:
Pray for the courage and willingness to change, so that you continue to more and more live the way of Jesus Christ.
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