But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
For God does not show favoritism.
Romans 2:5-11
I chose weighty verses for us to focus on today.
At least they are for me. Because any time I hear words about God’s wrath and anger and righteous judgment, I have a tendency to look the other way.
We are quick to meditate on God’s love and kindness and goodness, but we don’t really enjoy focusing on His wrath all that much.
But maybe we should.
I had a thought while meditating on this passage from Romans 2 recently that I ended up writing as a note in my Bible next to these verses.
The note says this: “Given the option, I much prefer a God of the Universe who hates and punishes sin than a God who does not.”
Can you imagine the chaos that would be unleashed in our world if there were no God in heaven who poured out wrath and anger and righteous judgment on those who do evil?
Our world would be even more unbearable, and there would be no justice in the end. That does not sound like a world I want to be a part of—nor does that sound like a God worth serving.
Is it difficult to focus on God’s wrath? Yes. But it is wise for all of us to do so.
You see, the reality of God’s anger toward sin allows me to appreciate His grace and mercy even more. It compels me to live a holier life.
And the alternative—a God who will not punish those who are self-seeking and follow evil—is not a God I am drawn to follow.
Indeed, focusing my attention today, and more often, on God’s holiness and righteousness may be the very thing I need most.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your word is clear. You are a God who is holy and righteous and just and will not leave the guilty unpunished. Thank You for that. But even more, thank You that through Jesus, I can find grace and forgiveness for my sin. May Your kindness compel me to live a life that honors You. Amen.