DIVINE LONGSUFFERING

In both of his letters, the apostle Peter made mention of one of the many attributes associated with God that we sometimes overlook, that being “longsuffering”. From 1 Peter 3:20, we read that “the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared.” And in 2 Peter 3:9, we find that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Two things stick out in these verses. Both show the patience of God. In Noah’s time, years upon years were given to the people to heed the warnings of Noah, the preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5). Yet, other than he and his family, none listened. From the time of Christ until now, the gospel has continued to be proclaimed that man might come to the Lord in obedience. And many have done so; however, there are so many others who have not.

Not only that, we see the mercy of God, His desire that all would turn and come to Him. He doesn’t want any to perish. It’s His desire for “all men to be saved and to come the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). And we learn from the prophet Ezekiel the same truth regarding God when he says, “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live?” . . . “For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32).

Thanks be to God for His longsuffering toward us, giving us every opportunity to come to Him in obedience. But woe to those who ignore the patience and mercy He has extended to us!