GOD IS FAITHFULLY PATIENT
Read Exodus 34:6.
How is God described in this verse? This verse describes a merciful God. God is slow to anger. Did you know that God has the right to judge people? Unlike you, He has the right because He is holy, perfect and there is no sin in Him. He is the only one in the universe that judges the right and fair way. He could punish sin anytime He wants to. He could have punished Adam and Eve immediately by making them separated from Him forever. He didn’t because God is slow to anger. He loves you and is faithful to show you who He is and allow you to see Him! Are you glad God is patient with you when you sin? Are you patient with others?
GOD DOESN’T WANT ANYONE TO PERISH
Read 2 Peter 3:9
Why is God slow to anger? What does God want for everyone? What does God NOT want to happen to anyone? God does not take pleasure in people who are wicked. It hurts His heart to see anyone live apart from Him forever. He is patient so that people will realize their sin and need for a Savior. He gives each person on earth plenty of opportunities to know God and be sorry for how they wrong Him. He is patient to punish evil because He does not want anyone to perish. If you get frustrated with someone who does evil things and are wondering why God doesn’t do something about it, you can know that God is keeping His promise to all people by being patient with them to do what is right and call Him Savior! Are you thankful that God was patient with you when you were a sinner?
GIVE IT A TRY!
Have you ever read the book “Where’s Waldo” by Martin Handford? If not, it’s a fun book where you find a guy named “Waldo” in a picture. The book is funny because you feel like Waldo is everywhere. You find him at the beach, in the city, and on a farm. Your challenge is to start a journal and title it “Where’s God” by (insert your name). As you walk through life, write out all the crazy places you find God at work! It will be neat to go back through it and see how God is everywhere.
GOD IS MERCIFUL… ALWAYS
Read Psalm 78:38
What did God do to people who were disobedient to Him in the Old Testament? Did God forgive people? Was God merciful? What did God restrain? Time and time again in the Old Testament, people disobeyed God and were evil. He was patient and showed them mercy. Mercy is not getting what you DO deserve. If you deserve punishment but you don’t get it, you have received mercy. You can’t be merciful without being patient. God is just as merciful to you today because He wants you to be more like Him. Have you ever experienced mercy by not getting what you deserve? Were you glad the person was patient with you? You make mistakes and wrong God every day. Are you glad He is willing to forgive and give you mercy every day?
THINK ABOUT IT
Mercy: (n) Not getting what you DO deserve Grace: (n) Getting what you DO NOT deserve. God gave you mercy by not giving what you do deserve… eternal separation from Him. God gives you grace by giving you what you don’t deserve… eternal life.
GOD IS KIND WITH SELF-CONTROL
Read Romans 2:4
How is God described in this verse? What is God’s kindness intended to do? God is a kind God. You cannot be patient without being kind. Kind people are patient. Some translations of Romans 2:4 use a word that you might not have heard before…”forbearance.” Forbearance means someone has self-control. We see God’s self-control as He controls His anger toward evil. God has won the battle over evil but stays patient and kind as He waits for you to turn toward Him. God is able to control His anger so that you will turn towards Him and experience His goodness.
GOD IS GRACIOUS
Read Isaiah 30:18
How is God described in this verse? What will God do for you? God is a just God and must deal with evil, but His greatest desire is to show you compassion and grace. Do you know that you fit into God’s plan? He is not only patient with you, but He is patient to make all things happen according to His perfect plan. There are times that you want to do things your own way because God seems slow. Remember that you are learning how God is patiently at work so that as many people as possible can live with Him forever!