I have a very bad habit. I'm pretty chill in helping new Christians overcome sin, but when I encounter seasoned Christians who are still partying, cussing, or whatever, I lose my ever-loving mind. Yep. I go straight into "THAT'S-SO-HORRIBLE-HERE-LET-ME-BERATE-YOU" mode. Because everyone wants to repent when you clobber them with your own righteousness, right?
Wrong! God sets me straight by saying, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" (Rom 2:4)
I want people to overcome, but by being hostile instead of kind, I just drive them away. If you're like me, join me in praying for opportunities to help people repent in the same way that God does—through kindness. Let's win them with kindness, tolerance, and patience. smile emoticon