“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” – Romans 2:4
We often prefer to gaze at filtered versions of ourselves, clinging to snapshots from when we thought we were “just fine.” But Scripture refuses to flatter. It reveals flaws not to shame us but to shape us. Like Galatians 3:24 says, the law was our tutor, not to condemn, but to guide us toward Christ. Yet many look away from that mirror, resisting the clarity of conviction, and mistaking God’s silence for approval.
That same delay in judgment is not permission to continue—it’s grace reaching out. Remember David? A man after God’s own heart still tried to hide his sin. Until Nathan arrived, story in hand, mirror raised. “You are the man,” Nathan said, and David finally saw what God had already known. God is patient, yes, but not because He’s passive. His goodness is extended like a lifeline—not to comfort us in compromise, but to call us to change. Or consider the older brother in the story of the prodigal son. His outward obedience masked inward bitterness. When faced with grace given to his wayward sibling, his heart cracked open. But he refused the mirror, and he missed the celebration.
Today, pause and reflect. Look into the mirror—not the one on your wall, but the one in your Bible. Ask, “Is my heart truly surrendered? Have I mistaken delay for divine approval?” God is patient, but not forever. Like 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Real repentance begins with recognizing the reflection of who we truly are and allowing God’s Spirit to transform it. Don’t wait for Nathan to show up. Let God’s kindness lead you now—to repentance, restoration, and a renewed joy in Him.
“God’s kindness is not to be trifled with; it is intended to lead people to repentance, not to encourage them in sin.”— F.F. Bruce
surrendered devotions 