God's kindness is perfect and the power that leads us to repentance.

Romans 2:4  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?

God’s kindness is always perfect.  His kindness and grace are truly amazing. The question Paul asks here is one that we should ask daily, “are we presuming that God’s kindness, forbearance and patience will always be available for us when we continue in sin?”  God shows kindness to us as He looks at our past sin. He has been good to us because He has not judged us even though we deserve it.  His forbearance is His kindness to us as we struggle with our present sin.  Every moment we fall short of His glory, yet He holds back His judgment against us.  His patience is His kindness to us as we fall into future sin. God knows that we will sin tomorrow and the next day, yet He holds back His judgment against us.  These kindnesses are considered His “riches.”  They are of great value, eternal value.  Knowing how great God’s kindness is, Paul reminds us how great a sin it is to presume upon the graciousness of God and to think that we deserve it.  Instead He is showing us kindness, love, and grace so that we will repent of our present sins.  Let us also follow His example of grace as we show others kindness who sin against us.

LORD, thank you for your kindness.  Let us always see your kindness as the power that leads us to repentance.  Let us always be reminded that Jesus Christ has come in the strength and power of your kindness.  Lead us into that repentance in Jesus name, Amen.