This song, "Kindness" by Chris Tomlin has been on my heart and in my mind all week as I have been praying with some dear friends over their son who has chosen a modern day "Prodigal son " path in life. That made me think about how much " prodigal son" stuff goes on in our own lives that others never see.I hadn't thought of this song or this scripture for years, but all week I was drawn to that passage and to Chris Tomlin's song. We will be singing it in church tomorrow. I sense God stirring some waters beyond just the "obvious". I know I am praying over my own life that God show me anything that is keeping me from knowing the utter absolute fullness of a relationship with Him, keeping me from "life and more abundantly" in every area of what God has blessed and challenged me with.
Romans 2:3-5 in the Message version of the Bible reads " You didn't think , did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because He's such a nice God, He'd let you off the hook? Better think this one through from the beginning. God is kind but he 's not soft. In kindness He takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change." NIV puts it this way," " 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?"
God has given us so much and some times we just don't see it, but EVEN THEN, He shows kindness to remind us who He is and what He is like. Isn't it JUST LIKE GOD to be kind when we are acting like spoiled children, but not kind just to be "nice" but kind to draw us , lead us, invite us, to repentance because He loves us so much and He wants us in fellowship with Himself. What is God drawing you to repent of ? How is His kindness touching you? Is His love better than life to you? How is He leading you and showing you Who HE is so far this year?
Just like a little bit of everything goes into a great pot of soup, so God has brought a lot of things and people into our family. He adds and He takes away, but in the process we are being seasoned and poured out, shared and blessed. The ingredients are unique but its a wonderful blend!
1 comment:
I never thought his kindness was taking me firmly by the hand. I thought it was overwhelming me with a feeling of being loved, to which I respond with repentance.
Either way, it's great being loved this much :-D
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