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What does it mean that God is patient and long-suffering?


This attribute has to do with God’s restraint concerning his righteous wrath and judgment in the face of rebellion and sin (Exod 34:6; Num 14:18; Pss 85:3; 86:15; 103:8; 145:8; Jon 4:2; Rom 2:4; 1 Tim 1:16; 1 Pet 3:20; 2 Pet 3:9).

It should be pointed out, however, that while God’s patience knows no depth limitation (Rom 5:20), it does possess length and breadth limitations! In other words, God’s patient extension of grace to the unsaved could be likened to many radio and television ads that advise:

“Act now and send in for this remarkable product, as the offer may be withdrawn at any time without previous notice!”

Thus, God’s offer should be received today! (See Prov 27:1; Isa 55:6; Luke 12:19–21; Heb 3:7–9, 15; Jas 4:13–15.)

  God’s Patience
     

Two poems, one directed to the unsaved, the other to the saved, capture something of God’s patience and long-suffering.

      A. To the unsaved:
        The clock of life is wound but once,
    and no man has the power, to tell just when
    the hands will stop at late or early hour,
    To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed,
    to lose one’s health is more—
    But to lose one’s soul is such a loss,
    that nothing can restore!
      B. To the saved:
        He’s still working on me,
    to make me what I ought to be.
    It took Him just a week to make
    the moon and stars, the sun and
    the earth, and Jupiter and Mars;
    But how loving and patient He must be—
    For He’s still working on me.

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