It’s easy to look at the sin in the world and judge it, yet in the book of Romans the Bible tells us that when we judge others and have sin in our own hearts (which we all do) we bring God’s judgment upon ourselves. We need to be mindful to remember, it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance, and when that is the case there is nothing that speaks louder.
When I was twenty four and witnessed the dramatic life change that occurred in my friend Bill’s life, I knew I wanted what He found. He was transformed. He stopped doing drugs, chasing women and there was a profound peace about him.
When I decided to surrender by life into the hands of the Lord, others were affected by the transformation they saw take place in my life. I was dramatically healed of an eating disorder, my sin and empty pursuits were washed away and my broken life was restored.
When the Samaritan woman encountered Jesus while drawing water from the well she too was never the same. Those around her judged and shunned her not only because she was a lowly Samaritan, and a woman, but because of her life of sin and shame.
When she encountered Jesus, who stopped to talk with her, prophesied her life story right before her and placed value upon her, His kindness led her to repentance. This one encounter was so life altering that she turned from her sin. Then as she went out and told others of her experience they too were saved and transformed, witnessing her dramatic life change.
We are told in Isaiah 58, if we stop pointing the finger, and give ourselves to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, (which actually means to be a well), then we will become restorers who rebuild and transform lives.
I recently witnessed that in my own son’s life as he experienced such a personal encounter with Jesus, whose kindness led him to repentance. His encounter with Jesus’ kindness was so life altering that he is not the same person.
When others judged this young man, Jesus’ forgave his sin and placed value upon him. before he couldn't stand to be by himself or read because of a learning disability. Now he spends hours alone everyday reading his Bible, spending time with God and pursuing God’s purpose for his life.
Whether we have known Him one day or for thirty years, all it takes is one encounter with the kindness of God to lead us to repentance where we can turn form our sin and be transformed.
