The Lord… is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Many people see God as a hard, angry God who can’t wait to punish people who have done wrong. Yet, the New Testament tells us clearly that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). The apostle Paul even prayed for the Christians in Ephesus to “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18–19, NIV).
Today’s verse also tells us that God is longsuffering toward us. He is not impatient, critical or harsh with us. No, He is patient and kind with us — always. You see, at the very heart of God is mercy. God delights in being merciful to you (Micah 7:18), because you are the object of His love.
In fact, God so loved you that He sent His only beloved Son to pay the punishment of your sins in His own body. Why? So that with sin now a settled issue, you can receive the bounty of His mercy and His goodness every day.
So how do you see God today? I challenge you to see a patient, kind and loving Father. He isn’t out to get you. He is FOR you (Romans 8:31). He wants to bless you because of His Son’s payment at Calvary. He loves to do good to you and see you, His precious child, succeed in life. Thank Him for His great mercy toward you and expect to be surrounded by His goodness and grace today!
(source: Joseph Prince)
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