Topical Encyclopedia The patience of God, often referred to as His longsuffering, is a profound attribute that underscores His enduring love and mercy toward His people. This divine patience is evident throughout the biblical narrative, where God consistently demonstrates restraint and forbearance in the face of human disobedience and frailty.Old Testament Examples 1. Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness: Despite the Israelites' repeated complaints and lack of faith during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, God showed remarkable patience. In Numbers 14:18 , it is written, "The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression." This passage highlights God's willingness to forgive and His enduring patience despite the people's rebellion. 2. The Time of the Judges: The cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance during the period of the Judges illustrates God's patience. Judges 2:18 states, "Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them." God's patience is evident as He repeatedly delivers His people despite their recurring unfaithfulness. 3. The Prophets' Warnings: Through the prophets, God continually called His people to repentance, demonstrating His patience. In Jeremiah 7:25 , God says, "From the time your fathers came out of Egypt until today, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again." This persistent sending of prophets underscores God's longsuffering nature, as He desires His people to return to Him. New Testament Examples 1. The Ministry of Jesus: Jesus Christ, embodying the patience of God, often dealt with the misunderstandings and failures of His disciples with grace and patience. In Matthew 17:17 , Jesus responds to the lack of faith with, "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" Yet, He continues to teach and guide them, exemplifying divine patience. 2. The Early Church: The patience of God is also evident in His dealings with the early church. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage highlights God's desire for all to come to repentance, showcasing His patience toward His people. 3. Paul's Testimony: The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a testament to God's patience. In 1 Timothy 1:16 , Paul writes, "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." Paul's transformation is a powerful example of God's patience and mercy. Theological Reflections The patience of God toward His people is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting His character as a loving and merciful Father. This divine patience is not passive but is an active expression of His desire for His people to turn from their ways and seek Him. It is a testament to His enduring commitment to His covenant and His ultimate plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. God's patience is an invitation to repentance and a reminder of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 30:18And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious to you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy on you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 20:17 Library The Value of this Doctrine Development of the Ideas of Jesus Respecting the Kingdom of God. On the Power of the Church in Administering Justice, or on ... A Jealous God George Muller, and the Secret of His The Fifth Season, Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ... Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. Laboring under Difficulties Sanctification Resources How long was Job's suffering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do so many people have to experience terrible suffering before death? | GotQuestions.org Is Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | 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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