Romans 2:4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
In declaring the spiritual state of the natural man, Paul emphasizes man’s attitude toward “the goodness of God” which is a reference to God’s moral excellence in character and demeanor. In opposition to God’s excellence; man’s attitude is disrespect, “despises”; and disregard, not “knowing.” Upon giving consideration to this subject; two things are worthy of enlightenment! There is the power of “the goodness of God”; it “leadeth thee to repentance?” The very thing that was so repulsive to the natural man is that which brings forth and induces a reversal of one’s decision; thus giving way to the birth of the spiritual man. Uncharacteristic of the natural man, the excellent character and demeanor of God caused Him to “commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8); thus, “We love him, because he first loved us” (I John 4:19). Secondly, there is the propagation of “the goodness of God.” If man is to be affected by this “goodness” he must be made aware of it! There is the demonstration as seen in the prodigal son; “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17). There is the declaration, as seen in the life of Naomi; “for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread” (Ruth 1:6). For those that have eyes to see and ears to hear, “the goodness of God” abounds! “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8