“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honour, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish,” Romans 2:4-9 (NKJV)
It is the goodness of God towards man saved us all, not our goodness towards God, which we could never measure upto. We should always find the good in all God had already provided for each and everyone. It was not our goodness He demands but acknowledge His goodness to us accepting His good gifts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Repentance is just accepting what God had already provided for without questioning.
God is rich in goodness:
If you want to know God you should watch what Jesus did, who is God in flesh, when He was on earth. “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38 (NKJV) He blessed people around with good words, fed them and met their needs. This is our God rich in goodness.
God is rich in forbearance:
While Jesus was on earth many tested Him questioning His authority and His teachings just to find fault in Him. “Then they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. Mark 12:13 (NKJV) But Jesus with His forbearance answered them all very well and they stopped asking Him any more.
God is rich in long-suffering:
We can see Jesus taking the beatings on His back, taking up the Cross walking the streets and giving Himself nailed on the Cross, quietly like a sheep taken to slaughter. All for us sinners, He was long-suffering, so that through the sacrifice, He can bring remission of sins to us. “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.” Luke 23:34 (NKJV)
What a God and what a Saviour. This is God. Do not put mere idols and all kind of wrong opinions in His place. This is the Only True God who is alive and ready to come into your hearts and to live with you; if you call upon Him and allow Him to minister to you. He came to set us free from ourselves and to empower us to be like Him. Make all effort to accept Jesus into your lives and enjoy the abundant, everlasting life He came to give us.
May this Jesus be born into your hearts. Merry Christmas.