Time is On Our Side

Let's begin with some simple, scriptural math...confused already? Don't worry, you'll catch on.

The first three words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 are, "Love is patient". 
Love IS patient.
1 John 4:8 tell us, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 
God IS Love.

I feel confident in saying (despite my poor math skills) that if: 

Love = Patient, and God = Love, then God = Patient

Why are we breaking this down to such elementary terms? Because the patience of God is an extraordinary thing, and often overlooked. God is not only patient with each of us individually on a daily basis, He is patient overall in the scheme of eternity. Have you ever watched the news and thought, 'What is God waiting for?' I look at the world we live in, the sin and death that engulf us all, the evil that transpires, the fears of the future, and I wonder "When, God? When are you going to wash it all away? When are you going to wipe the tears from every face as you promised to do?"

My own life is sometimes a poor reflection of God, and His redirection (even discipline) reminds me that I am clueless. And He is patient. Just as my children are often clueless and I am forced to use patience, patience, and more patience with them. (Is not parenting a great illustration of our own relationship with God??)

2 Peter 3:9 beautifully describes who God is and why. I am using the Amplified version of the bible here because it further describes original Greek words used in the verse for a richer, deeper read:

The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

Did you catch the word 'long-suffering' there? It doesn't sound like God's "extraordinary patience" with mankind is easy. It certainly didn't come without a cost. If our God, who =patience, who = love, wasn't those things He wouldn't have sent His Son to die for us. But rather, His patience lead to our salvation. It leads to our forgiveness each and every day. It's the hope of a world still so lost in sin. 

1 Timothy 1:15-17 says:

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The Challenge

This week, we will encounter many opportunities to practice patience with our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, etc. May we keep in mind the extraordinary patience we receive from God, and may that be our example when we interact with others.