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Read Introduction to 2 Peter

 

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

 

as some count slackness

We cannot measure God by our standards. God’s delay is a matter of His longsuffering. God has a designated time for dealing with the world. God’s delay does not originate from His unwillingness or impotence to discharge His promise.

but is longsuffering toward us

“Longsuffering” is forbearance (Ex 34:6). To have “longsuffering” is to be long-tempered, to bear with. Longsuffering is a quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation. This quality of character does not hastily retaliate or quickly punish. It is the opposite of anger. Mercy is often associated with this quality (Ex 34:6; Ro 2:4; 1 Pe 3:20). Long-suffering does not surrender to situations. It does not fall under trial. This person has patience despite difficulties. God executes unfathomable patience toward us.

PRINCIPLE:

God is long-tempered with us.

APPLICATION:

God has infinite longsuffering with those who exercise negative volition toward Him. God does not violate man’s will. He created man as a free agent, and He respects that agency.

It is wonderful that God does not judge us the way we judge others. God deals in facts, not subjective judgments. “I don’t have the facts, but I have made up my mind. I don’t like you, so you have had it.” Longsuffering is an attitude of love. Longsuffering does not carry the idea that you would like to let them have it, but you hold back. No, God’s love takes up the slack.

If we operate like God, we will exercise long tempter towards God. Therefore, it is no longer a question of “Lord, you have not provided me with the success I want.” When we love the Lord, we do not ask that question because we know that He is faithful to His promises.

One characteristic of love is longsuffering. We find ourselves tolerating things we would not have otherwise allowed. This does not mean that we are mindless. “That’s alright, honey, go out and buy that car.” We say, “I want it now.” The Lord says, “Ten years if you are lucky!” Because we love the Lord, we trust Him to give it in His timing. Patience is the perpetuation of love.

 

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