Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1010 God, nature and qualities of » 1015 God » 1095 God, patience of
God shows forbearance in his character, decisions and actions. Above all, he waits patiently for people to turn to him for salvation.
God's patient character
God is slow to anger
Numbers 14:18 “slow to anger” is the main OT expression for God's patient character. See also Exodus 34:6; Nehemiah 9:16-17; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2; Nahum 1:3
God imparts patience
Romans 15:5 The Greek can be translated “God of endurance/patience”. The phrase suggests that God is patient and imparts patience. See also Jeremiah 15:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Peter 3:20
God's patience with sinful people
God's patience lasts a long time
Acts 13:18 See also Deuteronomy 8:2; Nehemiah 9:30; Psalm 78:38
God is patient in delaying punishment
Isaiah 42:14 See also Nehemiah 9:30-31; Psalm 50:20-21; Psalm 78:38; Isaiah 48:9; Habakkuk 2:3
Sinful people try God's patience
Malachi 2:17 See also Genesis 18:16-33; Numbers 14:27; Psalm 78:41,56; Isaiah 1:14; Isaiah 7:13; Isaiah 43:24
Examples of God's patience
Genesis 8:22 with creation; Genesis 18:32 with the city of Sodom; 1 Samuel 3:10 with Samuel
With his people:
Ezekiel 20:17; Micah 7:19 Jonah 3:1 with Jonah
The purpose of God's patience
Repentance
Romans 2:4 See also 2 Peter 3:9
Salvation
2 Peter 3:15 See also Romans 9:22-24
See also
1030 God, compassion 1055 God, grace & mercy 1085 God, love of 2060 Christ, patience of 5482 punishment 5883 impatience 5977 waiting 6020 sin 6510 salvation 6686 mercy 6732 repentance 8318 patience
