Romans 2:4

Memory Verse

Or do you think little of the riches of His kindness and the forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to a change of mind? (Romans 2:4).

In Romans chapter 2, Paul challenges the Jews’ belief that they are exempt from God’s judgment. In verse 3, Paul addresses the Jew who thinks he can judge others while doing the same things. This Jew perceives that he can logically escape the judgment from God while condemning others. In verse 4, Paul addresses the attitude towards God’s kindness that leads to repentance, not the fear of judgment.

Kindness is a friendly disposition. Although this word is often mistranslated as ‘goodness’—doing what is beneficial—kindness relates to making others feel at ease through a helpful, friendly attitude. Thus, it was not a display of God’s goodness, but His kindness that leads men to a change of mind concerning salvation. When the kindness and fondness of man from God our Savior appeared, it was not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy (Titus 3:4–5).

Those who think little concerning God’s kindness seek to persuade men through fear of judgment and condemnation. However, it is God’s kindness—an expression of His love—that truly saves us. Kindness is an aspect of love (1 Corinthians 13:4). In God’s expression of love towards the world, He gave us a savior (John 3:16). Therefore, as the elect of God, let us put on kindness, humility, objectivity and long-suffering so that those who are unsaved may be brought to a change of mind through kindness, not fear (Colossians 3:12).