Beelieve- Know God Intimately: God Is Longsuffering Part 2

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CONCLUSION

Time and again God continues to reveal Himself to be longsuffering, as David wrote in his psalm: “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15

God could have justly destroyed every sinner (which is all of us) the first time (and every time) they sinned (which we all do!). Instead He patiently endures rebellion rather than giving sinners what every sin deserves (immediately) -- eternal punishment! God continues to endure the unbelief, rejection, hatred, blasphemy, and iniquity, while patiently allowing time for repentance. Peter writes: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance...15 and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you” 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:15.

For those of us who truly desire to be His children, and led by His Spirit, we will want to become like Him, as David wrote "Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth;" - Ps 86:11a

As believers we are called to “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1) and “as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, (to) put on (like a garment) a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (longsuffering), bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” (Colossians 3:12,13)

Dear gracious, merciful Father, next time someone may “wrong” me, may I recall the infinite mercy and longsuffering You have granted to me! Heavenly Father, may I be careful to respond properly to Your longsuffering towards me (Romans 2:4-6). May my life imitate You in all I say and do. Thank you Lord for being so patient with me! In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Action To Take:

List some specific unbelievers whom you would like to see trust Christ as Savior. Then begin to pray that God will give them a sense of His long-suffering and use it to bring them to Himself. Think of some recent occasions when you have been short-tempered with people. Go to them personally, ask their forgiveness, and express to them your desire to become more long-suffering.