The Longsuffering of God

The Longsuffering of God

Casey Clement

The longsuffering of God continues to be a necessary blessing day by day. The Bible teaches us that God is longsuffering, or slow to anger. This attribute is clearly seen throughout the pages of the Holy Writ and has important implications for how we approach Him and live our lives. One of the most well-known examples of God's longsuffering can be found in Exodus 34:6, where God passes before Moses and declares, "The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." This verse emphasizes the fact that God is patient and slow to anger, even in the face of our sin and rebellion. Another powerful demonstration of God's longsuffering can be found in Isaiah 42:14, which says, "I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once." This verse reminds us that God's longsuffering is not indefinite and that there will come a time when His patience will be exhausted. However, it also shows that God's longsuffering is deliberate and intentional. He chooses to be patient toward us because of His great love for humanity. The Bible teaches us that God's longsuffering is also a source of hope and encouragement for us as Christians. As 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." This verse reminds us that God desires all people to be saved and that His longsuffering is an expression of His love and compassion towards us. Furthermore, the longsuffering of God calls us to be patient and longsuffering towards others. As Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Here Paul tells the brethren in Galatia to persevere in doing good, knowing that God's patience will ultimately lead to a harvest of righteousness.

In conclusion, the longsuffering of God is powerful and can change lives today. From His patient endurance to His compassionate love, God has demonstrated His longsuffering toward mankind time and time again. If we abide in Him and choose to follow His tremendous example of patience and longsuffering we too can become a reflection of His character and a source of His grace and mercy to those around us.

It is my prayer that we never lose sight of God’s patience and His longsuffering as it reminds us just how unworthy we are to be called His children and heirs according to the promise of God. May we all strive to be more like Him and be a blessing of sweetness to a bitter and distasteful world.

                                                                                                                        ~Casey

PS> This week as you make it a point to tell someone that you love them and demonstrate the grace of God by showing kindness to others choose to be patient with those who would normally bother you and reflect upon how God has been longsuffering toward you. Consider these verses this week (Lamentations 3:31-32; 2 Peter 3:7,9)