Theology Thursday - Patience

Exodus 34:1–7 KJV 1900

1 And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. 2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. 3 And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount. 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone. 5 And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

[Opening—3:00] “Welcome to Theology Thursday, where we dive deep into God’s character in thirty minutes that are as portable as your morning commute. I’m your host, and today we’re exploring Theology Proper – the Attribute of God: Patience.

Illustration: Picture this: A commuter sits bumper-to-bumper in rush-hour traffic, late for work. As cars inch forward, tempers flare—until one driver spots a mother in a broken-down minivan with her children inside. Rather than honking or cutting her off, everyone slows down to help push her car to safety. That collective pause, that choice to withhold irritation, illustrates what it looks like to extend grace under pressure. In a similar but infinitely greater way, God’s patience is His willingness to “slow the brakes” on wrath so we can repent and grow.

Opening Prayer: “Heavenly Father, as we examine Your patient heart today, open our minds to grasp Your longsuffering love. Teach us to see how Your forbearance invites us into deeper relationship and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

[Lesson Abstract—2:00] What Is God’s Patience, and Why It Matters: God’s patience (or “longsuffering”) is the moral attribute by which He restrains immediate judgment and delays righteous punishment so that sinners might repent and be reconciled. Far from indicating indecision or weakness, divine patience testifies to God’s steadfast love, justice, and faithfulness. Understanding this trait is crucial, because without seeing God’s forbearance, we cannot fully appreciate His mercy nor respond appropriately to His Gospel. This lesson unpacks the biblical, theological, and practical dimensions of divine patience, equipping both seekers and seasoned pastors to marvel at and emulate this facet of God’s holiness.

[Word Study & Theological Definition—5:00]

1.Hebrew Word Study

‘erek ‘appayim (ארך אפים)

Transliteration: eh-REHK ah-pah-YEEM

Basic Meaning: Literally “long of nostrils,” a Semitic idiom signifying “slow to anger” or “long-tempered.”

Key Text: Exodus 34:6 (KJV) – “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering (arek ‘appayim), and abundant in goodness and truth.”

Note how God’s patience is immediately coupled with mercy and grace—He is willing to bear with human frailty.

2. Greek Word Study

makrothymia (μακροθυμία)

Transliteration: mah-kroh-thoo-MEE-ah

Basic Meaning: “Long-tempered,” “forbearance”—the ability to endure provocation without reacting in wrath.

Key Text: Romans 2:4 (KJV) – “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance (makrothymia) and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

anoche (ἀνοχή)

Transliteration: ah-NO-keh

Basic Meaning: “A holding back,” “tolerance,” often with a judicial nuance—God “holds back” immediate judgment.

Key Text: Romans 3:25 (KJV) – “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance (anoche) of God;”

3. Theological Definition Divine Patience is the moral perfection by which God, in His sovereign will and holiness, withholds immediate retribution, giving sinners opportunity to repent and experience His mercy. It is never an arbitrary delay, but an intentional act consistent with His justice, mercy, and covenantal faithfulness.

[Biblical Theology & Exegesis—10:00]

A. Old Testament Examples (5:00)

Genesis 6:3 (KJV) “And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

Exegesis: In the pre-flood world, human wickedness prompted God to declare the imminence of judgment—but He delays for 120 years. That span is not indecision; it’s God’s sovereign mercy to allow a final generation the chance to repent (see 2 Peter 3:9 echo).

Exodus 34:6–7 (KJV) “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed… merciful and gracious, longsuffering (arek ‘appayim), abundant in goodness and truth; Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…”

Exegesis: When Moses requests to see God’s glory, God reveals His name—highlighting patience alongside mercy, grace, and steadfast love. His “longsuffering” is part of His covenant identity: He restrains wrath so that Israel might receive covenant mercy.

Numbers 14:18 (KJV) “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty…”

Exegesis: Spanning Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness, this text shows God’s consistency—He does not eliminate the guilty instantly but temporarily postpones punishment, still demanding repentance and obedience.

Transition: In these OT passages, “longsuffering” emerges not as passive delay, but as active forbearance—bearing with sinful people so His purposes of redemption can unfold.

B. New Testament Examples (5:00)

Romans 2:4 (KJV) “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance (makrothymia) and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

Exegesis: Paul here rebukes self-righteous Jews who presume on God’s kindness. God’s patience is not neglect—rather, it’s an invitation to repentance. The same “kindness” that restrains judgment is meant to lead to transformation.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 (KJV) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering (makrothymia), for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

Exegesis: Paul confesses his prior persecution of the Church. In saving “the chief of sinners,” Christ’s forbearance is on display—He withholds wrath until the opportune time to reveal mercy, serving as an example for all believers.

2 Peter 3:8–9 (KJV) “...one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack (anache) 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.”

Exegesis: Peter anticipates scoffers who question Christ’s delayed return. He affirms that divine “slowness” is not negligence, but purposeful patience, motivated by God’s desire for universal repentance.

Transition: In the NT, divine patience is integrally tied to the Gospel—God’s “delay” is a merciful invitation, not a sign of weakness.

[Historical & Systematic Theology Insights—5:00]

Augustine (4th/5th c.)

In On the Nature of God, Augustine emphasizes that patience does not imply change in God. Rather, God’s “forbearance” is an expression of His unchanging holiness and unwavering commitment to redeem sinners. His refusal to punish immediately highlights His desire for man’s ultimate good.

Thomas Aquinas (13th c.)

In Summa Theologiae (I, QQ. 21–22), Aquinas classifies patience under the virtue of temperance but still affirms it as a divine perfection. For Aquinas, God’s patience is a “delaying of justice” that arises from His infinite mercy. He argues that patience is neither negligence nor capriciousness, but part of God’s providential ordering of salvation history.

John Calvin (16th c.)

In Institutes of the Christian Religion (II.2.13), Calvin says God’s longsuffering is evidence of His mercy, teaching sinners how to repent. Yet Calvin warns against presuming on divine patience: believers must not take God’s forbearance as endorsement of ongoing sin.

Relation to Other Attributes:

Justice: Patience never cancels divine justice; it postpones its execution until the appointed time (Genesis 15:16 “16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” ).

Mercy & Grace: Patience creates space for mercy (Exodus 34:7 “7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” ); it allows grace to extend beyond human failure (Romans 3:25 “25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;” ).

Immutability: Although God’s actions unfold in time, His willingness to be patient does not alter His eternal nature (Hebrews 13:8 “8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” ).

[Apologetics Clarifications—3:00]

Objection: “If God is patient, why does He allow so much evil and suffering?”

Response: Divine patience (2 Peter 3:9) delays final judgment to give sinners opportunity for repentance. Meanwhile, God’s permissive will allows moral evil momentarily to bring about greater good—ultimately, He is working through history to achieve redemption. (See Romans 8:28.)

Objection: “Does God’s patience imply indecision or forgetfulness?”

Response: Absolutely not. Patience is a deliberate act of divine restraint, rooted in God’s sovereign plan. Scripture affirms God’s omniscience and immutability (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). He never forgets or changes His mind like humans (Numbers 23:19). His “delay” is an expression of His covenant-keeping faithfulness, not hesitant rethinking.

[Practical/Pastoral Application—3:00]

For Pastors and Leaders:

Model Patience in Ministry: When congregants struggle with sin or disagreement, exercise forbearance before pronouncing condemnation. Your patience reflects God’s merciful heart.

Preach with Endurance: Speak the unchanging truth of Scripture even when immediate fruit is unseen; trust God’s timing, as He is patient to draw hearts toward repentance (Luke 18:7–8).

For Laypeople:

Patience in Relationships: When family or coworkers irritate you, remember God’s longsuffering with your shortcomings. Choose to withhold harsh words and listen, demonstrating Christlike forbearance.

Patience with Personal Growth: Spiritual maturity is a process. If you’re discouraged by your own failures, recall that God’s patience towards you continues; He’s not finished with you yet (Philippians 1:6).

[Group Discussion/Reflection Questions—2:00]

When have you experienced God’s patience in a crisis or season of doubt, and how did it shape your trust?

How can we balance God’s patience with the urgency of the Gospel—motivating others to repent without presuming on His forbearance?

What is one practical way you can extend God-honoring patience to someone in your life this week?

[Closing Prayer & Benediction—2:00] Closing Prayer: “Gracious Father, thank You for Your unwavering patience—your ‘longsuffering’ that bids us toward repentance and change. Help us to marvel at Your forbearance, to rest in Your timing, and to emulate Your gentleness in our words and actions. By Your Spirit, empower us to bear with one another in love, as Christ has borne with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Benediction: “May the Lord of patience grant you serenity to wait on His perfect timing, courage to share Your hope with urgency, and compassion to bear with one another’s faults. Go forth in the peace of Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.”