“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15).
God is incredibly patient and forgiving, with immense love for us. Even when we make mistakes, He continuously extends forgiveness and grace as we overcome our moments of weakness. His Word comforts us, gives us hope, and leads us back to the places He wants us. “God isn’t late with His promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change…And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved” (2 Peter 3:9,15).
Paul spoke of himself as an example in 1 Timothy 1:16, “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience, with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.” If God didn’t have patience with us, all would be lost— Yet He does! He waits for us to respond to His Spirit, Who leads us to salvation in Jesus. God works through US to help OTHERS find their road to redemption in Him. By demonstrating the patience and love of God, we can influence those that are lost (even if they don’t realize they are)!
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: How has God been patient with you? Pray for opportunities to share the patience, love, and forgiveness of God with others this week.
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8).
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5).
“So, the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help” (Isaiah 30:18).
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You today for Your patience with us, especially when we feel undeserving of it. Your love endures as You extend forgiveness and mercy to us. Thank You for this! Help us to be more like You in our daily lives with the people around us. May we choose patience and help us to recognize opportunities to tell others about Your goodness. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Final Thought: Be encouraged that God doesn’t lose patience with us! It is never too late to give your life to Jesus.
Finding Hope in God’s Patience
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).