Patient
<<tolerant, longsuffering>>
God is very patient towards us. He is long-suffering, not desiring that any should perish, rather they will come to repentance, however there is a cutoff point when His grace is no longer offered because God said His Spirit will not always strive with man (Gen 6:3; Neh 9:17; Rom 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9). Do not presume on the grace of a ‘second chance’ for God desires obedience to His directions, not “I’m sorry” for my disobedience (1 Sam 15:22).
We should be patient with people because it is a characteristic of love – the distinguishing attitude of Christians (Lk 6:31; 1 Cor 13:4; Eph 4:2, 1 Thes 5:14). We should be gentle and slow to avenge, patient in affliction as Jesus was (Rom 12:12; 1 Pet 2:21-23).
How do I rate?
See also: gentleness, patience, second chance.