God is Patient
Nehemiah 9:30-31 - "For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God" (NIV).
Psalm 103:8 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (NIV).
1 Timothy 1:16 - "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life" (NIV).
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
God perseveres with His children. He doesn't give up. In the Old Testament, God stayed with the Israelites even when they were wandering in the desert for 40 years as a result of their sin. He provided food and clothes for them all along the way (Deut. 8:2-5). God is patient. He consistently acts with faithfulness toward us even when we don't deserve it. God doesn't have sudden outbursts of anger. Even though His heart is grieved when we sin, He chooses to persevere with us, gently calling us back to Himself. God deeply desires that we repent and turn to Him. That is the motivation of His patience. He has the capacity to force our hand and make us repent. But instead, He patiently waits for us to choose His way.
For More Study
Thoughts and Questions for Application
Memorization
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
Psalm 103:8 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love" (NIV).
1 Timothy 1:16 - "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life" (NIV).
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
God perseveres with His children. He doesn't give up. In the Old Testament, God stayed with the Israelites even when they were wandering in the desert for 40 years as a result of their sin. He provided food and clothes for them all along the way (Deut. 8:2-5). God is patient. He consistently acts with faithfulness toward us even when we don't deserve it. God doesn't have sudden outbursts of anger. Even though His heart is grieved when we sin, He chooses to persevere with us, gently calling us back to Himself. God deeply desires that we repent and turn to Him. That is the motivation of His patience. He has the capacity to force our hand and make us repent. But instead, He patiently waits for us to choose His way.
For More Study
- Deuteronomy 8
- Nehemiah 9
- Hosea 11
- Luke 15
Thoughts and Questions for Application
- Think back on at least two examples of how God patiently waited for you to turn back to Him.
- How much impatience do you excuse in your life? Who typically is on the receiving end of your impatience?
- Have you really repented of impatience, or do you see it as something you will always struggle with until you get to heaven?
- Spend some time thanking God for His perfect patience displayed in your life.
Memorization
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (NIV).
