Patience of God

The patience of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His enduring love and mercy towards humanity. God's patience is often described as His willingness to withhold immediate judgment, allowing time for repentance and transformation. This divine attribute is evident from the earliest narratives in Scripture.

In the Old Testament, God's patience is demonstrated in His dealings with the Israelites. Despite their repeated disobedience and idolatry, God continually extends His mercy. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores God's enduring patience and His desire for His people to return to Him.

The prophets also highlight God's patience. In Isaiah 30:18, it is written, "Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him." Here, God's patience is linked with His justice and compassion, emphasizing His desire for His people to experience His grace.

In the New Testament, God's patience is further exemplified in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage highlights God's patience as an expression of His salvific will, desiring that all come to repentance and faith.

Instruction of God

God's instruction is a vital aspect of His relationship with humanity, providing guidance, wisdom, and understanding. The Bible portrays God's instruction as a means by which He reveals His will and purposes, leading His people in paths of righteousness.

In the Old Testament, the Law given to Moses serves as a foundational element of God's instruction. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage emphasizes the importance of God's instruction being central to daily life and passed down through generations.

The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, is replete with calls to heed God's instruction. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, the instruction of God is linked with the fear of the Lord, serving as the foundation for true knowledge and wisdom.

In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate teacher and embodiment of God's instruction. His teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, provide profound insights into the nature of God's kingdom and the ethical demands of discipleship. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission underscores the ongoing role of God's instruction in the life of the Church.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of God's instruction in the life of believers. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of God's instruction, equipping believers for a life of faith and service.

In summary, God's patience and instruction are integral to His character and His dealings with humanity. His patience reflects His merciful nature, allowing time for repentance, while His instruction provides the guidance necessary for living a life that honors Him. Through both, God reveals His desire for a restored relationship with His creation.