The Patience of God

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
– 2 Peter 3:9

The Bible says, “From the abundance of the heart, the mouth shall speak” (Luke 6:45). Who we truly are inside comes out in our speech and actions. This is why the Bible tells us to keep our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

I am so glad God does not change. He is patient. It is one of His attributes. Since He is patient, He demonstrates grace towards all of us who are saved by working with us daily. He changes our hearts so that our conduct will reflect more of Him in this life.

God has all power to bring swift judgment on a sinning world. The restraint of God to bring this justice is demonstrated through His patience. It describes God’s long-suffering with the goal to lead all sinners to repentance. This is the restraint of God put into action.

Many of us have what is commonly called “selective hearing.” This is when we only hear those things that are important to us and throw out the rest. We enjoy hearing about God’s love towards us. We like that He is a God of mercy. And He is all of these things. However, we can begin to think that because these attributes are true, everyone will automatically go to heaven, but this is not what the Bible teaches. Because of His love and mercy, He has given us His grace, that which we do not deserve. And His grace is salvation through His Son. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.