I’ve been asking this question since the day I stepped into God’s embrace. “Why do You put up with my foolishness, Lord? Why are You so patient with me?” One minute I’m praising Your goodness. The next minute I’m grumbling about a negative in my world. One minute I’m kind to others.
The next minute I hurry past someone
in need. One minute I vow to honor Him. The next minute I’m seeking glory for
myself. What a mess. Who could
live with a person like that? Let alone forgive and cherish them. If you’ve
been wondering the same thing, I have an answer for you.
1.
Patience with needed
change: “The Lord is not being slow in
doing what He promised (the way some people understand slowness). But God is
being patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be lost. He wants everyone to
change their ways and stop sinning.” (2 Peter 3:9, ERV))
2.
Patience with enemies (Paul): “In the past I insulted Christ. As a proud and
violent man, I persecuted Hs people. But God gave me mercy because I did not
know what I was doing. I did that before I became a believer. “(1 Timothy 1:13, ERV)
3.
Patience like Jesus’: “We pray that the Lord will cause you to feel God’s love and remember
Christ’s patient endurance.”(1 Thessalonians
3:5, ERV)
4. Patience is love: “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, and it
is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, ERV)
“God’s grace is not infinite. God is
infinite, and God is gracious. We experience the grace of an infinite God, but
grace is not infinite. God sets limits to His patience and forbearance. He
warns us over and over again that someday the ax will fall and His judgment
will be poured out.”
(R.C.
Sproul)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“Perfect Patience with the Worst of Sinners” by David Matthias
· “Why Is God So
Patient with Us?” By Liz Curtis Higgs
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