When Kindness Calls

It’s not fear, guilt, or rule-keeping that leads us to repentance—it’s God’s kindness!

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“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? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.”
(Romans 2:4–5)

Imagine that you’re standing on a sunny beach, staring out at calm, peaceful water. Then the lifeguard blows his whistle, warning beachgoers that a dangerous undercurrent has formed. Most people ignore the warning because everything seems fine. What they can’t see is that beneath the surface, the current is quietly growing stronger. It’s subtle at first, but eventually, it begins to pull people under and by the time they realize the danger, it’s too late.

The spiritual landscape of Rome back in the apostle Paul’s day was a lot like that beach: calm on the surface but dangerously deceptive underneath. To onlookers, it was an impressive city with its wealth, political power, and philosophical pride. But beneath the surface was a spiritually confused and morally corrupt society that’s not so different from our modern world today.

It was into that environment that Paul wrote a letter to the Roman church that wasn’t just theological but deeply personal. He wrote to people who had convinced themselves that they were “good enough” because they were religious, but Paul offers them a sobering truth that religion without repentance is empty. Many of us today carry that same mindset in thinking that we’re not as bad as other others so we must be okay. However, Paul quickly dismantles that lie, pointing out that when we compare ourselves to other people, we only prove our own guilt because we do the very same things.

Whether religious or irreligious, rich or poor, moral or immoral, we all stand on level ground in need of mercy. Here’s the good news: it’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. It’s not fear, guilt, or rule-keeping but His kindness. Still, we shouldn’t mistake that kindness for indifference. Paul warns that when we reject God’s invitation and harden our hearts, we’re not just turning away. We’re storing up wrath for ourselves. The very kindness meant to draw us near becomes the warning we’ve ignored.

This is the message of the cross: Jesus shed His blood so you could be forgiven and made right before a holy God. His sacrifice is the only way. The door is open, but it won’t stay open forever. Will you come before it’s too late?

My Next Step of Faith

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your patient kindness that calls us to repentance. Soften our hearts and help us respond to Your grace before it's too late. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Listen to the sermon: Why Being Religious Can’t Save You

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

“Dad Frenchy saved tonight in revival meeting – The Jobes.”

Just nine words. But on September 5, 1959, those words changed everything for my parents, Bob and Minnie, who were young, newly married, and just starting out. For years, they had prayed for Minnie’s father, Slim French, a man hardened by addiction and disappointment. But that night, in a small Indiana church, the gospel broke through where nothing else could. My grandfather stood up and surrendered his life to Jesus.

From that moment on, he was a new man. No more alcohol, no more hiding, no more running. So, if you’re praying for someone who seems too far gone, don’t give up. God is still in the business of saving. He still hears and answers. Your nine-word telegram may be closer than you think.