April 10th | God is Patient with You

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PETER’S SECOND LETTER 

GOD IS PATIENT WITH YOU  

2 Peter 3:15 “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.”   

God is patient with sinners. Even though God hates sin and will punish it, He loves sinners. Throughout the Old and New Testament of the Bible there are countless passages and accounts of the Triune God’s patience with sinners. A recent devotion referred back to God’s patience with the entire sinning world of people at the time of Noah. Through Noah God warned them He would destroy the world, gave them a huge object (the Ark) to remind them of what He would do. For 120 years God was patient, waiting for the sinners to repent. Jesus was patient with Peter in Pilate’s courtyard and then later when He asked Peter if he loved Him. God remains patient with the sinners of this world permitting the world to continue giving more opportunity for them to repent. It is His desire that “all men would be saved.” (1 Timothy 2:4) 

God’s is patient with sinners. “God’s kindness is intended to lead (them) to repentance.” (Romans 2:4) Review with me 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” While many see God as wrathful, unmerciful, and harsh, He is just the opposite. He is filled with love and kindness toward all. His desire is to save, not to condemn. His desire if for you and all people to be spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. (Yesterday’s devotion) 

Here is a prayer the Psalmist prayed to God, “ . . . You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show Your strength. . .” (Psalm 85:15-16) The Psalmist’s prayer is one you in faith and trust in Jesus are invited to pray as well. Thanks be to God who is patient, compassionate, slow to become angry and ready to forgive every sin you commit for Jesus’ sake. 

Prayer: God, be patient and forgiving with me for Jesus’ sake. Amen. 

Amazing grace— how sweet the sound—   That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found,  Was blind but now I see! 

The Lord has promised good to me,   His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be  As long as life endures. 

Through many dangers, toils, and snares   I have already come; His grace has brought me safe thus far,  His grace will lead me home. 

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail  And mortal life shall cease, Amazing grace shall then prevail  In heaven’s joy and peace. 

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,  Bright shining as the sun, We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise  Than when we’d first begun.
(LSB 744)