Topical Encyclopedia The patience of God is a profound aspect of His divine character, reflecting His enduring love, mercy, and desire for humanity's redemption. Throughout the Scriptures, God's patience is depicted as an integral part of His nature, demonstrating His willingness to withhold immediate judgment and extend grace to a fallen world.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently portrays God as patient and longsuffering. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "patience" or "longsuffering" is "erek apayim," which literally means "long of nose," a metaphor for being slow to anger. This attribute is highlighted in Exodus 34:6, where God reveals Himself to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth" . This self-revelation underscores that patience is not merely an action God chooses but is intrinsic to His very being. In the New Testament, the Greek term "makrothumia" is used to describe God's patience. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes this aspect of God's character: "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4). Here, God's patience is linked to His kindness and serves a redemptive purpose, inviting sinners to repentance. Manifestations of God's Patience 1. With Humanity: God's patience is evident in His dealings with humanity throughout history. Despite the repeated disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites, God continually extended His patience, offering opportunities for repentance and restoration. The period of the judges, the monarchy, and the prophetic era all testify to God's enduring patience with His people. 2. In Salvation History: The ultimate expression of God's patience is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter writes, "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" (2 Peter 3:9). God's patience is demonstrated in His delay of final judgment, providing time for the message of salvation to reach the ends of the earth. 3. In Individual Lives: God's patience is also personal and intimate, as He works in the lives of individuals. The Apostle Paul, reflecting on his own conversion, acknowledges God's patience: "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" (1 Timothy 1:16). Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle serves as a testament to the depth of God's patience. Theological Implications The patience of God is not to be mistaken for indifference or weakness. Rather, it is a deliberate and purposeful aspect of His character, rooted in His sovereign will and perfect wisdom. God's patience is an expression of His love and a testament to His desire for all to come to repentance and faith. It serves as a model for believers, who are called to emulate God's patience in their own lives, as seen in the fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5:22). Conclusion While God's patience is vast, it is not infinite in the sense of allowing sin to go unpunished indefinitely. Scripture warns of a coming day of judgment when God's patience will give way to His righteous justice. Therefore, the patience of God is both a comfort and a call to repentance, urging humanity to respond to His grace while there is still time. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 34:6And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 14:18 Psalm 86:15 Library Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New The Book of God The Christ Crowned, the Fact We are Worshippers of one God, of Whose Existence and Character ... God's Love for a Sinning World A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience The Secret Walk with God (I. ). Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God God's Training Resources Is God cruel? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Patience of God is Part of his Character The Patience of God: An Encouragement to Repent The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: His People The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: The Wicked The Patience of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Patience of God: Illustrated The Patience of God: Jerusalem The Patience of God: Limits Set To The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of The Patience of God: should Lead to Repentance The Patience of God: The Wicked: Abuse The Patience of God: The Wicked: Despise The Patience of God: The Wicked: Punished for Despising The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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