Romans 2:4

Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Yesterday’s verse reminded us of the limitless mercy of God.  Today’s verse reminds us that this mercy has a point and purpose.  G. K. Chesterton once remarked that “All roads lead to Rome, and that is one reason why some people never go there.”  In the same way, many people talk about God’s infinite mercy as an excuse for never actually receiving it.  They are like people who starve themselves while saying, “I don’t need to eat because the refrigerator and pantries are full.”  God’s mercy is limitless but it is always offered to us from behind.  We must turn around in order to walk toward it and receive it.  If we continue on in walking away from it, we will walk away from it.  So turn to God and away from sin today.  Now.  His mercy is available this instant if we will only ask.  If you are weighed down under the guilt of sin, respond to the kindness of the Lord by going to confession and repenting.