“CONTEMPT FOR GOD’S KINDNESS”
When observers first saw this behavior among crocodiles, they thought it was cannibalism. But it was tender, loving, care: a mother alligator gently carrying its young in its mouth, bearing them from the nest safely to the waters. The “gentle jaws” behavior of the mother alligator toward her young is common to all crocodilians. A mother will use her massive jaws as a cradle for her hatchlings to escort them from danger.
Yet what fool would make the mistake of interpreting this gentleness and tenderness as weakness? In fact, the bite of crocodiles and alligators is the strongest of any creature on earth. Its “bite force” is more than 5,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Compare this with the bite of a Rottweiler – 335 psi, a great white shark -400 psi, or a hyena – up to 1000 psi. Add to this the crocodile’s dagger teeth, size (up to 20 feet long and over 2,500 pounds), and ferocity (they are ranked as the 5th most dangerous animal in the world). To miscalculate the crocodilians gentleness as weakness would be deadly.
But don’t we sometimes treat the kindness and gentleness of God as weakness? When God forgives and loves us unconditionally, do we read it as a license to push the limits and see how far we can go? But tenderness, kindness, and forgiveness are not signs of weakness and should not be treated with contempt.
Look at what the Scripture says: “Do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:4) Don’t offend the love that shields you from evil or spurn the God who holds your life and breath in his hand.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, open my eyes to the wonders of Your love and remind me of Your mercies that are new every morning. Help me, O God, to live a life worthy of Your love. In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
(From The Sustainer’s Faith)