This is the final article in a series on the subject—Do You Know God? In this article, we will study the Bible’s teaching on The God of Patience. The importance of this discussion can be seen in the Bible’s assertion that we should “regard the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Peter 3:15). Similar to many other attributes of God, it is His patience that is foundational to our salvation.
In the Bible, the words patience and longsuffering have essentially the same meaning when used in reference to God. It is His patience that results in God’s willingness to suffer long with man’s sinful and weak condition. The Scriptures provide many examples of the manifestation of this attribute of God.
In the book of Genesis, we read of a time when “the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Man’s sin was so great that “The Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). God would destroy the earth but spare a man named Noah “who found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Noah would spend the next 120 years building the ark and preaching to sinful man. Why didn’t God destroy the earth immediately? It was because “the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah” (1 Peter 3:20).
The same is true today. We live in a sinful world. God has promised to send His Son at the end of time to bring about the eternal salvation of the saved and the judgment of the lost. Why is He waiting? “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” (2 Peter 3:9, emphasis added). This should motivate the sinner to repent - “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).
What are some of the practical lessons that can be derived from coming to know The God of Patience? Consider the following . . .
Those In Fellowship With God Must Practice Patience. This attribute is included as one of the traits of those who have the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Galatians 5:22). The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in the Christian’s walk with God. In fact, in his admonition to the early disciples, the apostle Paul encouraged them to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3, emphasis added). Failing to practice patience is counterproductive to the work of the Spirit which is to lead to unity and peace.
The Work Of Evangelism Requires Patience. Sharing our faith with others can be difficult. People are not always receptive and are oftentimes even hostile in their response. The Bible teaches that we are to preach the word “with great patience” (2 Timothy 4:2). It is only with patient instruction that we will see results. The process of building up disciples that follows conversion also requires patience - “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
The Patience Of God Is Motivational. As noted earlier, God’s patience can motivate the sinner to repent (Romans 2:4). As I come to know The God of Patience I find the motivation to change. The knowledge that He refrains from bringing time to an end due to His patient desire for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9) encourages me to prepare myself for eternity. It also moves me to take advantage of the time remaining to seek to bring others to Him knowing that my efforts in this regard are in complete harmony with His will.
Do you know The God of Patience? Do you practice patience with others? Are you patiently teaching the lost? Has God’s patience motivated you to develop your relationship with Him? Come to know The God of Patience today!