God is long-suffering. For this reason, He wants people to repent (Romans 2:4; Ezekiel 18:23, 32). He wants everyone to be saved (2 Peter 3:9, 15). He demonstrates His long-suffering by forgiving sins (Rom. 3:25).

Examples of the long-suffering of God: We see it in the days of Noah (1 Peter 3:20), to the Israelites (Psa. 78:38; Isa. 48:9), and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37), as well as towards Paul (1 Tim. 1:12-16).

God’s people should also be long-suffering, because God was and is long-suffering towards us (Matt. 18:21-35). As God’s elect, they put on long-suffering (Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:2). They must practice long-suffering (2 Tim. 3:10). Love suffers long (1 Cor. 13:4). It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

the late Wayne Holland
from a sermon preached in:
Hiawassee, GA (2/23/1986)
South Boston, VA (2/16/1992)
Roxboro, NC (9/22/2002)