The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV
In the early church there were scoffers that believed it had been too long of a wait for the return of Jesus. Some were asserting that Christ was not returning and were encouraging people to revert to immoral living, saying there would be no judgment. These false teachers led people astray rather than encouraging them to come to repentance.
Peter wanted the church to understand that the Lord is not bound by time as we are. 2 Peter 3:8 informs us, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. KJV” God’s patience relates to his longsuffering. The Lord is growing his family, giving sinners time to repent.
The Lord Wants All People to Be Saved
God wants to save all people. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 says, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony in its own times. WEB” God is not slack, Jesus is not slow to return. The Lord is giving time for sinful man to come to repentance and develop the full knowledge of the truth.
Our Father in heaven demonstrates the fruits of his Holy Spirit. These gifts are written about in Galatians 5:22-23 which states, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. WEB” The Lord is not slow to return. He is patient and loving. God is growing a great family with which to spend eternity.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your patience with me as a sinner. Thank you for giving me time to come to repentance and understand the truth of your word. Guide me to do your will and forgive me when I fall short. Lead me in Christ with your righteousness as I give all the glory to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: As Filthy Rags
