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? Romans 2:4
“Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ. Reflect for a moment on the wealth of his kindness. Before He came as a man to be among men, he sent John the Baptist to preach repentance and lead men to practice it. John himself was preceded by the prophets, who were to teach the people to repent, to return to God, and to amend their lives. The Christ came Himself… How did He receive those who listened to His call? He readily forgave them their sins; he freed them instantly from all that troubled them.”
Asterius of Amasea (c.350-410) in Homily 13 as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 271.
I am having a week of resting with my wife, reflecting on God, examining myself, and thankful for the wealth, the riches, the generosity of God’s kindness toward me.
I don’t deserve it, yet it abounds toward me.
It inspires me to learn and to discern how I might be a better person. Today it nudges me in ways I an be a better husband and father as today our daughter turns 26.
Show me areas for growth today, Lord.
Sophie’s a beautiful and living imitation of the love of Christ. She has platinum blonde hair so we always encourage her to shine for Jesus like that hair shines.
I have two final thoughts as a result.
Firstly, Happy Birthday Sophie, wherever you are today. And secondly, let’s all reflect, soak up God’s kindness and discern areas for growth so we too shine for Jesus.