Topical Encyclopedia Patience is a divine attribute that is frequently ascribed to God throughout the Scriptures. It is an essential aspect of His character, reflecting His enduring love, mercy, and grace towards humanity. The patience of God is not merely a passive waiting but an active, purposeful endurance that seeks the ultimate good of His creation.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 34:6 : "Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: 'The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.'" This passage highlights God's patience as part of His self-revelation to Moses. His slowness to anger is a testament to His enduring patience with His people. 2. Psalm 86:15 : "But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness." The psalmist acknowledges God's patience as a source of comfort and hope, emphasizing His willingness to forgive and restore. 3. Romans 2:4 : "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, the Apostle Paul underscores the purpose of God's patience: to lead sinners to repentance. God's forbearance is an expression of His desire for all to come to salvation. 4. 2 Peter 3:9 : "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." This verse reveals God's patience as an aspect of His redemptive plan, delaying judgment to allow more time for repentance. 5. 1 Timothy 1:16 : "But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life." The Apostle Paul reflects on his own experience of God's patience, which serves as a model for others who seek salvation. Theological Significance: God's patience is integral to His dealings with humanity. It is a reflection of His eternal nature, where time is not a constraint, allowing Him to work out His purposes in the fullness of time. His patience is not an indication of indifference or weakness but a demonstration of His sovereign control and loving-kindness. In the Old Testament, God's patience is evident in His long-suffering with the Israelites, despite their repeated disobedience and rebellion. His covenantal faithfulness is marked by a willingness to forgive and restore, as seen in His dealings with figures like Moses, David, and the prophets. In the New Testament, the patience of God is most profoundly demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God extends His patience to all humanity, offering salvation and reconciliation. The patience of God is also a model for believers, who are called to emulate this divine attribute in their interactions with others (Colossians 3:12). Practical Implications: Understanding God as the God of patience has profound implications for the believer's life. It calls for a response of gratitude and humility, recognizing the depth of God's mercy and grace. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and purposes, even when circumstances seem challenging or delayed. Moreover, the patience of God serves as a standard for Christian conduct. As recipients of divine patience, believers are called to exhibit patience in their relationships, reflecting God's love and forbearance to a watching world. This patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a mark of spiritual maturity, enabling believers to endure trials and extend grace to others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 15:5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... patience, kindness, goodness, (4102), 23 gentleness,. ... end (glorification) – indeed each time we pray about () you for the purpose () of our God counting you ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k 430. anecho -- to hold up, bear with 463. anoche -- a delaying, forbearance Library Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience As God is the Author of Patience So the Devil is of Impatience. Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience. A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience Of the Patience and Vengeance of God, the Worship of Demons, and ... God Himself an Example of Patience. Of the Patience and Providence of God. Repentance Flowing from the Patience of God. Repentance Flowing from the Patience of God. God's Sovereignty. Resources What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I know what God's timing is? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org Patience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Patience: Christ, an Example of Patience: Exercise, Towards All Patience: General Scriptures Concerning Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar Patience: Ministers Approved By Patience: Ministers should Follow After Patience: Necessary to the Inheritance of the Promises Patience: Saints Strengthened to All Patience: should be Accompanied by Faith Patience: should be Accompanied by Godliness Patience: should be Accompanied by Joyfulness Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering Patience: should be Accompanied by Temperance Patience: should Have Its Perfect Work Patience: Suffering With, for Well-Doing, is Acceptable With God Patience: The Congregation at Ephesus Patience: The Congregation at Thyatira Patience: The Thessalonian Christians Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise Patience: To be Exercised: Bearing the Yoke Patience: To be Exercised: Bringing Forth Fruits Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for Christ Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God's Salvation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing Patience: Trials of Saints Lead To Related Terms Steadfastness (15 Occurrences) Longsuffering (17 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |