You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
While it is right to be concerned, sad and even angry when we see the destructive depravity which is widespread in the world, it is also important to realise that in our own natures we are no better. Foolishness, disobedience, deception and enslavement were our natural moral condition until we came to Christ. Our relationships were seeded with malice and envy which were expressed in different kinds of hatred. So whenever we are tempted to be proud about moral or spiritual success, we should remember that we have only been saved from our old way of life because of God's kindness in sending His Son to die for our sins.
When we first became aware that the gospel was personally addressed to us, we saw that we could make a new start in life. A new start was possible, but not by trying to mend all the broken yesterdays or earning our way into His favour by good works. That is the wonder of the gospel: that foolish people can be given wisdom far beyond their experience; wilfully disobedient people become submissive to God; those who were deceived develop a clear sighted view of the truth; and those who have been anchored into their destructive inner passions are liberated to serve God. In other words: sinners can be completely saved. Without God's mercy, we would have no hope. Without His kindness, we would have no option but to rely on ourselves; because our corrupted natural instincts have no spiritual benefit.
Of course, it is easy to be judgemental and to see the faults of others as though we had none of our own. Satan would love us to believe that our good standing in Christ somehow depends on what we have done. Instead, the kindness of God should lead us to repentance of all those areas in which we are spiritually 'unsuccessful' (Romans 2:4), and we should develop an intense compassion for those who are still trapped in unrepented sin. In other words, the gracious kindness, love and mercy of God are designed not only to transform us, but to enable us to be people through whom the gospel message will transform others. Look around you at work or in your community: if you see people who need the transforming kindness of God, remember that you were once one of them. Be compassionate instead of judgemental and learn how to explain the gospel (www.crosscheck.org.uk) so that others may also be transformed by the grace of God.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for rescuing me even though I did not know how much I needed Your mercy. Thank You for being kind to me although I did not deserve it. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus which taught me how to receive Your kindness and mercy. But I am sorry for being critical of others, especially when there are parts of my own nature which are not yet fully sanctified. Help me to be grateful for what You have done for me so that I may be compassionate towards others and a better ambassador for Your kingdom. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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