The Virtue of God’s Patience
June 17, 2015 § Leave a comment
God’s patience is just as real as His wrath.
“So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on [others] and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
Romans 2:3-4 NIV
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
On the rare occasion when I manage to exhibit patience, I am usually waiting for something that serves my own interests. I think of patience as a virtue, but what I am patiently expecting is an answer to a question, a turn through the intersection, a check in the mail, or some other form of self-gratification.
Deferring our own gratification is virtuous, but consider what God defers. His patience means more time and opportunity for the sinner’s repentance and redemption. God wants us to be able to enjoy Him forever. In light of such kindness, the virtue of our patience pales in comparison to God’s selfless forbearance. He waits for us to discover how much we need rescue, and His offer is our eternal salvation.
The depth of doom we avoid by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is equaled only by the height of joy Christians will forever enjoy, because “He is patient with you.”
God&Neighbor 
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