The Patience of God: Slow to Anger, Rich in Mercy

One of the most gracious attributes of God is his patience — his willingness to bear with us, to be slow to anger, and to give us time to turn to him. Here's what Scripture reveals about the patience of God.

Slow to anger

Again and again, the Bible describes God as 'slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.' Given our constant failings, God would have every right to respond with swift judgment. Instead, he is remarkably patient, bearing with us far beyond what we deserve.

Patience that gives time

God's patience has a purpose: to give people time to repent. 'The Lord is not slack concerning his promise... but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.' What can look like God's delay is actually his mercy, holding the door open.

Patient with our growth

God is also patient with our slow spiritual growth. He doesn't give up on us when we stumble or grow slowly. Like a patient father, he keeps working with us, gently and persistently, over a lifetime. His patience with our progress is a great encouragement.

His patience is our opportunity

God's patience is not to be presumed upon but responded to. Every day of his patience is an opportunity to turn to him, to grow, to make things right. His longsuffering is a gift — a window of grace we're invited to walk through today.

The patience of God is astonishing — slow to anger, bearing with our failings, and giving us time to turn to him rather than wishing any to perish. He is patient with our growth and gentle with our stumbling. His patience isn't something to take for granted, but an open door of grace. Today, in the space his patience provides, is the time to draw near to him.