WISDOM FOR THE DAY DEVOTIONAL
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
MONDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2026
TOPIC: THE GOODNESS OF GOD LEADS TO REPENTANCE
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” – Romans 2:4 (KJV)
Beloved, study your Bible and understand the doctrines of Scripture. Do not be confused, and stay balanced. Understand this, it is the kindness of God that leads you to repentance. It is not your repentance that brings God’s goodness, it is His goodness that draws you toward a changed mind and life.
Repentance is a change of mind. In this context, it is the realization of who you truly are in Christ, “I am better than this. I am not a sinner. I am righteous.” But this change does not create God’s goodness in your life. His goodness is already at work, leading you to that realization.
God is always good. He continually deploys His goodness toward you, “And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.” – Jeremiah 32:40 (KJV)
Religious thinking has made many believers boast about what they do for God. But understand that nothing you receive from God is because you earned it. Nothing He gives is because you qualify for it. The goodness of God is unearned, unmerited, and undeserved. Stop boasting!
Consider Peter and John. Peter boasted about his love for Jesus, yet he denied Him. John, however, boasted in Jesus’ love for him. John’s confidence was in God’s love, not his own ability.
Because of that, Jesus trusted John to care for His mother at the cross, “I can trust you because you will not depend on your ability. You will always depend on Me.”
Beloved, understand God’s love for you. Once you see and receive His goodness, your life will be transformed. Stop relying on your own strength, and let His love lead you into full repentance and obedience.
Further Reading: Isaiah 54:7-17.
Daily Bible Reading: Morning – Numbers 5-6, Evening – Mark 4:1-20