Patient with Me

    One of the best qualities that exists in God is His patience.  The very first phrase is 1 Corinthians 13:4 is, “Love is patient.” (NIV) When I think about true love, I have to align my expectations with the Only True and wise God- with Jesus. He is the purest form of love. (1 John 4:8b) I think the most transcendent characteristic of the Lord is that He is patient. Not only is He patient, but He suffers long with us. 

    What is long suffering? From what I understand, it is made up of 2 different words in Greek that are long and temper. That in essence means, God has restraint even when He is upset.  He is not quick to retaliate or punish because of His displeasure. How many of us can say that we are like this? Psalm 103:8 describes it like this, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”(ESV)

    When we look at the World around us we see that no one is patient. No one is willing to wait. Everything needs to happen right now and at this moment. There is no sort of restraint. Don’t upset someone, there will be some sort of wrathful vengeance that will come afterwards. Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (ESV) We literally live in an instant society. I am not saying that there aren’t lots of benefits to having knowledge and resources at your fingertips, but it has made it difficult for us to take things as they come and to slow down. 

    I have been in some relationships that could have become romantic (eventually), but they fell flat because of impatience. Personally, I don't like to make rushed important decisions. When someone is trying to get to know someone else, that takes time. When I am trying to get to know someone I want to take my time. The good thing about God is He knows all about me and still wants me. He wants me to take the time to get to know Him. He welcomes me making an informed decision about my love for Him. Even when I doubt or only see Him with finite eyes, He doesn’t get upset with me. Psalm 30:5 says, “that His anger is for a moment, but His favor for a lifetime.”(ESV) God is secure in who He is so there is no question about His character. At the same time, I can question where He is going or where He is taking me without Him taking it personally. Getting to know God intimately takes faith and time. He is willing to prove Himself patiently. He is willing to reassure me as many times as I need it. That’s why His Word is so important to my overall well being spiritually. That’s my reassurance.

    I keep coming back to Galatians 5:22-23, because this is the way we can tell if we are spending adequate time with God. We will see His character in us because of the fruit we are bearing. (Matthew 7:15-20) Long-suffering is one of the fruits of the Spirit. When I think about how God handles me, I see that patience is key. When He handles all mankind, patience is a necessity. 

    I love that God endures. That’s a huge piece of patience. Can you last for the long haul? In several Psalms, but specifically 100:5 & 136, the scriptures boast of God’s steadfast love enduring forever. It even tells us to give thanks for it. Do you know why? Because God is patient with us in His love and it will endure even if the rest of the World passes away. 

    When I think of God’s steadfast long-suffering enduring love, I take it to heart. He is patient with me. He created me to love me for the long haul. He knows what I am. He knows where I am and He stands there patiently waiting for me to return His affection. He gingerly nudges for me to draw closer, but He’s never harsh or cruel. His love is genuine and complete. His love is patient with me.

Let's Pray: Lord, I pray that you remind everyone who is reading this that we are patient with us. Your love endures forever. You are in this for the long haul. You created us to love us from the start. Thank you for being steadfast with us. Thank you for being long-suffering. You are crystal clear that You aren’t quick to anger. Thank you for waiting on us. Thank you for giving us the choice to choose You back. We are so limited in our vision, but You aren’t moved. You don’t lose your temper with us because of our simple mistakes. You don’t change and we thank you for your patience. We love you Lord. Amen.  

If you are reading this and have never accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Savior this is the time. If you have once walked with God, but you have strayed away, here is your moment. There will never be a more ideal time than now to surrender your life to the One who loves you most. He wants to call you out of darkness into His marvelous light. No strings attached. No hidden motives. He just wants a relationship with you. If this is you please say the prayer below. 

Sinner’s Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. He died on the cross just for me. I also confess with my mouth and believe with my heart that He rose again on the 3rd day, paying my sin debt in full. He is now seated at the right hand of power, interceding for me to the Father. I thank You, Jesus, that as I pray this prayer and believe with my heart that You have saved me. I receive Your love and commit my life to You. You are now the Lord of my life. Thank You for all that You have done and will do for me in the future. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:4(NIV), 1 John 4:8b, Psalm 103:8,  Proverbs 14:29, Psalm 30:5, Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 7:15-20, Psalm 100:5, Psalm 136 - All scripture references are ESV unless otherwise specified