Sep 21, 2018
God will punish those
who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 2Thess 1:8
His patience doesn't
last forever, so PLEASE start your walk with Jesus and obey the Gospel fully!
Love is Patient. It’s
the first attribute of love described by Paul in the powerful 13th Chapter of the 1st Corinthians letter. Amazingly, the primary demonstration of love
is a patient attitude toward the person being loved – patience in waiting for a
change, patience in attitude, patience in support. The greek word that we translate patience is also translated forbearance – to bear with someone.
God is the essence of love, so appropriately, His primary
demonstration of love to us is seen in His patience! He is patient with our selfish behavior. He is patient in granting mercy despite our
sinful behavior. He is patient in
withholding judgment that we rightly deserve.
God’s patience is the landmark attribute of His love. If He weren’t patient – we would all have
been judged and eternally condemned long ago.
God’s patience was seen the most through the story of Jesus
– God was patient in awaiting the right time for Jesus to appear, and showed
patience in bearing with people while Jesus lived on earth, and demonstrated
the greatest of patience watching His own Son die on the cross for our sins,
and then even waited patiently for the right timing to bring Jesus back from
the dead. And now, as we live in the
season of grace, God remains patient waiting for every last person destined to
hear & respond to the Gospel, before He releases final judgment. God’s love is seen in His patience.
But here’s the thing about patience. When patience turns to abdication, it’s no
longer love. Patience with a child lasts
for a while until the patience is destructive, then it’s time for the parent to
take action. Patience with a worker that
turns destructive to the company requires a change in employment or
discipline. And God’s patience will last
only as long as it remains loving.
Patience DOES have a deadline … not for selfish purposes, but for loving
ones.
God’s patience runs out for every person. We will either face death or face the second
coming. And God’s patience even WHILE we
live on earth has its loving limits.
There are consequences to sin that will come about. The warning has been given, and our only
saving option is to fall on the gospel of Jesus and follow Him completely.
Love is Patient --- but don’t test the limits of God’s
patience. Come running to Him now!
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