It didn’t take long for Dad to hit me between the eyes today (metaphorically speaking of course – especially since this blog is about the kindness of God!)
Romans 2:4 (ESV) 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?
Lots of words in this verse. I had to look up “forbearance” and it means “a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due.“
The NIV translates “presume” as “show contempt” while NKJV translates it as “despise.” When I abuse his kindness, I basically spit in his face.
All of that to say this… while God has every right to punish, reprimand, destroy and wipe me from the face of the earth – because I deserve it – He chooses to use kindness, leniency, patience, mercy and grace to get me to repent – which in simplest terms means to change my mind. For that, I am so grateful and thankful.
The application for me is: How do I mirror that, represent that, to my earthly children? When they read this passage as an adult, will they have a hard time visualizing, understanding, or accepting the truth of it because of my actions as their father? Will my parenting today, make it easier or more difficult for them to see Papa as their Heavenly Father?
Do I model grace to my children? Do I show mercy to my children? A more difficult question is will I impede their ability to accept Papa’s love, grace, and mercy as they mature in the Lord? A sobering thought.
What a great question. Will my kids understand God better because of me, or will they not get grace and mercy because I didnt model it well? Thats good for me now to begin to ponder, before I have kids and screw them up.
This is good Shoe. And tough. I ponder this question often. Am I living a life, am I providing an example that will help my children (and my wife) grow closer to God. I belive that, as a father and husband, is my real job. I am supposed to help identify their giftings and talents and then nurture and grow those so that they can be used by Papa.
I know that I do not always do a good job at this. I get frustrated when they disobey. I get irritated when someone makes a bad choice. I know that my heart is in the right place. I ant what is best for them, but my approach, my actions, are not always implemented in a way that will draw them closer to God’s heart.