The goodness of God leads to repentance

 BY Argie Simonis

"Or despise you the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?" Romans 2:4 

This statement of Paul brought a great reaction to the Pharisees and the religious leaders of that time and it continues to have the same effect on today's "Pharisees", all these religious people who continue to live under the letter of the Law. They believe that God's goodness and love are not enough to lead one to repentance and that the fear of punishment is superior as a motive.

It is true that we all respond to fear. This is true even for someone who is not a Christian, but John writes in his letter that "fear has torment":

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love." 1John 4:18 

When you respond to God out of fear, you are yielding yourself to a daily torment of thoughts of doubt, condamnation, and guilt about whether or not you have done enough to please Him. Fear may push you closer to God, but His love always excels and brings much better results, without the side effects of torment that comes with fear.

Do you know what happens When you seek God out of fear? You will only pray in difficult times and as soon as the storm passes God suddenly goes from top to bottom on your list of priorities. But when you approach God because of His goodness, you will recognize that He is the source of your success and you will continue to seek Him and serve Him in both good and bad days.

That is why Paul emphasizes the importance of renewing our mind and aligning it with the Word of God:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2