What does "slow to anger" teach about God's patience with us? Scripture at a Glance “Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.’” – Exodus 34:6 Understanding “Slow to Anger” • Hebrew phrase “ʾerek ʾappayim” literally pictures “long of nostrils,” suggesting a controlled, measured breathing before acting. • God is not quick-tempered; His holy wrath is real yet restrained until the right moment (Nahum 1:3). • Patience is an intentional aspect of His covenant love, not a sign of weakness or compromise. What This Reveals about God’s Character • Steadfast Love: His delay of judgment flows from “abounding in loving devotion” (Psalm 103:8). • Consistent Mercy: He repeatedly withholds deserved wrath, giving room for repentance (Jonah 4:2). • Faithfulness to Promises: Because He is slow to anger, His redemptive plan unfolds without being derailed by human sin (2 Timothy 2:13). • Perfect Justice: Patience does not cancel judgment; it schedules it for the proper time (Romans 2:5–6). How His Patience Shows Up in Our Lives • Daily Forbearance: Every sunrise testifies that we have not received what our sins merit (Lamentations 3:22–23). • Space for Repentance: “The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9). • Repeated Restoration: Even after failure, believers find renewed fellowship when they confess (1 John 1:9). • Ongoing Sanctification: His patience gives us time to grow into Christlikeness rather than facing immediate condemnation (Philippians 1:6). Our Response to His Patience • Repent Quickly: Do not presume on “the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience” (Romans 2:4). • Reflect His Character: “Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). • Proclaim His Mercy: Use the time His patience affords to share the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Worship Gratefully: Praise Him for every moment His long-suffering love holds back judgment (Psalm 86:15). |
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