#12. The PATIENCE of God

Arthur Pink et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

"Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience--not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Romans 2:4

The patience of God is the majestic restraint of the Almighty--His sovereign forbearance in the face of human sin. Though His justice burns with holy intensity, He delays His wrath. Not because He is powerless to act, but because He is rich in mercy. His patience is not indifference--it is compassion. It is not apathy--it is love.

From the days of Noah, when the Lord waited 120 years while the ark was prepared, to the wilderness wanderings of Israel, where He bore their continual murmuring--God has proven Himself astoundingly patient. Even now, as this present world mocks His name and defies His laws, He holds back the flood of judgment that is surely deserved. Every moment of delay, is a miracle of mercy.

For the believer, this patience is deeply humbling. How often have we provoked Him--and yet He has not cast us off! How many times have we wandered--and yet He has pursued us still! His patience calls us not to presumption, but to purity. It is not a license to sin, but a summons to holiness.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise... He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. Every sunrise is a fresh invitation to turn from sin and walk more closely with Him. For the unconverted, it is a solemn warning--do not trample His mercy beneath your feet. His forbearance will not last forever.

Let us therefore bow before Him with reverent awe. Let us . . .
  praise Him for His longsuffering,
  plead with sinners to flee from the wrath to come,
  and reflect His patience in how we deal with others.

The patience of God is not to be trifled with--it is to be treasured!

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." Psalm 103:8