Romans 2:4, “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?”
When we live a life of habitual sin do we really grasp the kindness and patience of God? At some point doesn’t our tolerance for habitual sin prove our ignorance of God’s wonderful kindness?
Many times in my life I have approached God hesitantly. The pattern of sin in my life has ground me down to a crawl and I approach God in shame. I ask myself, “how many times will you confess and repent only to turn back to that same sin?”
I can see the same struggle in my relationship with my son. He struggles with talking back to his mom (I’m sure no one else has this issue!). After we talk about his behavior he sincerely apologizes but 5 minutes later he is back to the same behavior. We talk, he says sorry, he repeats, we talk, sorry, repeat, talk, sorry, repeat. Eventually he shy’s away from saying sorry at all; he doesn’t want to go through the same routine again. Over time he realizes how ridiculous it is to constantly apologize and yet never change. As much as I hate the pattern, being his Dad I am always prepared to listen to him, embrace him, and look forward. I know that together we can eventually overcome this struggle.
God is always prepared to listen to you, embrace you, and look forward in spite of our struggle with sin. God hates our sin, but as his Children he is always prepared to forgive us and move ahead. Paul reminds us of God’s attributes:
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” [2 CORINTHIANS 1:3]
He is merciful. He is the God of every variety of comfort. He is encouraging and compassionate. It is a struggle but I must not take these attributes for granted. It is time I stop acting like a small child and truly turn from the sin that entangles me. As Paul says, “Does this mean anything to you?” The way to overcome your struggle with sin is not through avoidance but by coming face to face with our loving and caring Father. He will mold you, chip away the filth, and transform you into the person he intended from the beginning. This will be a lifelong journey. Stay the course.
Embrace his attributes. Come humbly before God the Father. Talk. Confess. Look forward.