Read: John 3:17, 2 Peter 3:9
Even as a kid, I had a strong sense of justice—at least, what I thought justice should look like. What I didn’t have was the wisdom or life experience my parents had. Naturally, our ideas of right and wrong didn’t always line up. I’d be convinced that what I was doing made perfect sense, even when it didn’t align with what they wanted me to do. Inevitably, they would step in to correct me. But I wouldn’t listen, at least not until the counting started. “One…two…” They never had to get to three because, deep down, I knew better.
Looking back, I see their patience for what it was—a desire for me to learn and choose better, not a readiness to punish. That patience echoes the heart of God. He doesn’t rush to judgment, even though He has every right to. Instead, He waits, giving us time to see our need for His grace and turn to Him.
Jesus made it clear that He didn’t come to condemn the world but to save it. This is a profound truth: God’s heart is not quick to anger or swift to punish. His patience is not a sign of weakness or indifference but of deep love. He doesn’t want anyone to perish; He wants everyone to come to repentance.
The cross stands as the ultimate proof of this. Jesus bore the judgment we deserved, taking on the penalty for our sins so we could receive forgiveness. God’s grace isn’t leniency that overlooks sin; it’s the costly gift of salvation that invites us to live in freedom and light. His patience gives us room to grow, to turn, and to embrace the life He offers.
Reflection Questions:
- How does God’s patience and grace impact your view of Him?
- What areas of your life need to be surrendered to His mercy?
- How can you extend God’s grace to others around you?