Where Kidness Leads
READ
Though it seems counterintuitive, many of us are terrified to let go of our inner critic. We assume that if we do not bully ourselves, we won’t obey; that if we don’t shame ourselves, we won’t surrender to God’s loving commands. We are afraid that if we show ourselves even an ounce of compassion, we will go on sinning. We often assume that showing ourselves gentleness is the same as giving ourselves a blank check to behave however we please.
But the truth is this: shame cannot produce the lasting change we desire to see within our minds, hearts, and spirits.
Relentless self-criticism does not lead to sanctification. True heart transformation is not the result of shaming ourselves into submission.
Instead, honest repentance grows out of encountering God’s kindness toward us—and responding to that kindness with grateful worship and willing surrender.
Let’s take a moment to read Romans 2:4:
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
REFLECT
At its core, sin reflects a breakdown of trust in God’s character.
We begin to suspect that His commands are restrictive rather than life-giving, so we reach for things we believe will satisfy us more. We doubt that His ways will actually lead to our joy, so we choose our own path instead.
This is why remembering God’s kindness is essential for repentance. As we recall His faithfulness, patience, and love, our hearts are slowly reoriented. We begin to trust that His commands are not arbitrary rules, but loving directions meant to lead us into true and everlasting life.
It is by beholding the cross—not by berating ourselves—that we come to understand that God wants nothing but the best for us. This knowledge softens our hearts to His commands and prepares us for genuine repentance.
On the cross, God proved that He is willing to give up anything—even His beloved Son—for our benefit. It seems nonsensical, then, to imagine He would give us needless rules that restrict our happiness.
When we meditate on how greatly God has sacrificed for us, we are compelled to respond by submitting to His loving commands. He has proven Himself trustworthy by giving all of Himself for our joy and salvation. Knowing this, we can respond to His law with grateful obedience, rather than reluctant submission or defiant rebellion.
It is important to remember that we do not obey God in order to pay Him back for His kindness. Our relationship with Him is not transactional. God doesn’t need anything from us, nor does He give commands to gain something for Himself. Rather, He gives us commands for our benefit, so that we might truly flourish (Mark 2:27).
Obedience, then, is not born of shame or fear of punishment. True obedience springs from knowing that God’s law is an expression of His love and care for us.
Trust in God’s benevolence is the only motivation that can sustain true, lasting repentance.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you read.
What currently motivates you to repent of your sin? Is that motivation sustainable? Does it truly lead to growth?
What might it feel like to follow God’s commands because you trust in His goodness, not because you feel ashamed or afraid of punishment?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God’s presence and consider one thing you can take away from your time reading, then close your devotional experience by praying:
God of immeasurable kindness, Your Law is an extension of Your love! Help me to trust more fully in Your benevolence so that I might respond rightly to all You command of me. Lord, give me a heart that believes You want what is best for me and for all of Your children. Help me to repent and obey, not because I feel burdened with guilt, but because I trust that Your law leads to true and abundant life. Amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.