The Patience of God
The Patience of God
In a world filled with instant gratification and quick resolutions, the patience of God offers a profound lesson for Christians today. Yes, God offers something that Siri, Alexa, Google or any other Artificial Intelligence could never. These things might offer us fast answers and simple solutions, but in their simplicity and convince they breed a level of impatience that is often not considered. While they may be able to give you a detailed list of how to become more patient they could never provide a true example of how to achieve patience. God’s patience, or longsuffering, reflects His love and desire for all to come to repentance, providing a model for how we, too, can exercise patience with one another.
2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." This verse captures the essence of God’s patience. Throughout history, humanity has repeatedly turned away from Him, yet God waits, offering every opportunity for repentance. His divine patience exemplifies a love that endures, seeking to restore rather than to cast aside.
God’s patience is seen throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the Israelites often turned away from God's commandments, yet time and time again, God demonstrated His mercy. Psalm 103:8-10 beautifully captures this sentiment: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities." These verses remind us that God’s patience is coupled with mercy, offering a reprieve rather than immediate judgment.
In our own lives, we often find ourselves waiting on God’s timing — whether for answers to prayers, healing, or guidance. James 1:2-4 encourages us with these words, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Notice how James says that God uses our trials to develop patience within us. Thereby, shaping our character in ways that reflect His goodness.
Moreover, Ephesians 4:1-2 implores us, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love." As God exhibits patience toward us, we are called to extend that same grace to others, fostering unity within the body of Christ.
The patience of God serves as a cornerstone for the child of God. Amidst our struggles and the impatience that often characterizes modern life, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s longsuffering is rooted in His love and desire for us to flourish in faithfulness. By emulating this divine patience, we can navigate the challenges of life with a spirit of grace and compassion, reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father.
~Casey
>PS: As you strive to be the constant in someone’s life be patient with those who seem to get on your nerves. Though you may find this hard reflect upon these verses each day this week (Proverbs 15:18; Romans 15:1,2; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:12,13; Galatians 6:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; James 1:19,20).