God is kind, but he is not soft. 

Eugene Peterson gifted us this paraphrase of verses 3 and 4. His clarity drives away the darkness of misunderstanding God. Take a look at the last full sentence:

In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.

Radical life change is what grace accomplishes. Grace transforms or it isn’t grace. Grace transforms or it isn’t kind. 

We cannot encounter God and leave unchanged. It is perfectly impossible to believe otherwise.

Evidence of such a life-changing encounter is found in how we become more and more like God in his patience and kindness. Our Father in Heaven takes impatient, unkind people and truly transforms them into patient and kind ambassadors of grace, mercy, and peace. 

How will God’s grace and kindness turn your heart toward all that is right and good today?

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I will invite God to continue his work of radical life change in me.

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Our Father, my life requires further renovation. Work out your radical life change in me. Fill me to overflowing with your grace and goodness, your kindness and peace. Amen.