Today's Scripture
"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 toward repentance?"
Romans 2:4Also Read
Psalm 145:8-9 | Ephesians 2:7 | Titus 3:4-7
Are You Even Noticing
Paul asks a sharp question here. "Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness?" Which is a gracious way of asking: are you even noticing?
Because here is the thing: we often are not. Not because we are ungrateful people, but because we have gotten so used to receiving His kindness that we have stopped registering it. The morning light. The body that woke up. The person who said the right thing at the right time. The thought that came out of nowhere and turned your day around.
We say "what a coincidence" and keep moving. But that is His kindness. That is Him, in the fabric of your Wednesday.
Kindness that is not earning anything.
What strikes me about this verse is that Paul is not talking about blessings given to the faithful. He is talking about kindness extended to people who are, in the context of this passage, walking in the wrong direction. God is kindness falls on them anyway. Patient. Persistent. Hoping it will turn them around.
That means God's kindness toward you is not contingent on your performance today. It is not a reward for the quiet time you did manage or a withdrawal for the one you did not. It just keeps coming.Which means it is worth learning to spot it.
A small practice: count three.
Before you go to sleep tonight, think back over the day and find three specific moments where God is kindness showed up. Not grand miracles. Small ones. The parking spot. The kind cashier. The wave of peace that came when you needed it. The thing that did not go wrong that easily could have.
Name them. Thank Him for them. This is not a spiritual productivity exercise. It is just waking your eyes up to what is already there.
Speak This Out Loud
I will not take Your kindness for granted. I will recognize it in the small moments. I will name it, thank You for it, and let it lead me to repentance. Your kindness is already here, and I will see it.
Today's Challenge
Before you go to sleep tonight, think back over the day and find three specific moments where God is kindness showed up. Not grand miracles. Small ones. Name them and thank Him. This is just waking your eyes up to what is already there.
Journal Prompts
- Where have I been taking God is kindness for granted, receiving it without really noticing it?
- What would change if I started paying attention?
- What specific kindnesses did I notice today?
Reflection Questions
- If I am being honest, where have I been taking God is kindness for granted?
- What would change if I started paying attention?
- Am I calling luck what is actually God is kindness?
Today's Prayer
God, I do not want to walk past Your kindness anymore. I do not want to call it luck or coincidence or just a good day. Open my eyes today. Help me see You in the small graces I usually miss. And let that seeing change me. Not out of obligation, but out of love. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Final Word
God is kindness is not a sometimes thing. It is an every moment thing. It shows up in parking spots and kind words and peace that passes understanding. You just have to open your eyes. Start looking. It is already there.
With honesty and hope,
Claire