Return to the LORD your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;
and he relents over disaster.

Joel 2:13b-14

As a pharmaceutical representative, I spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. Sometimes people will comment on my “patience” as I wait to see a physician for a few minutes. It’s part of the job and is not a good indicator of patience in my life (ask my kids).

I wrote about this some time ago, but I witnessed a parent who was the epitome of patience and it was rooted in her love of a son who is unable or unwilling to confront his very apparent mental illness. On at least four occasions in the past couple of years, he has been hospitalized and still she pleaded with the doctor and staff on behalf of her son. From what I observed, she had every right to lose her temper regarding her son because he refused to even talk to the doctor. He refused to take medication. He simply wanted to leave. Now.

Likely, the son did not perceive his mother’s intervention as loving, but I can say that it was one of the saddest moments I’ve witnessed. I don’t know anything else about her, but I was impressed by the love of this particular woman for her very lost son.

God has that same kind of patience for us. Joel echoes another Old Testament passage that refers to him as “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

In the New Testament, Peter wrote that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”(2 Peter 3:9).

The character of God reflects His patience and love for us when we display true repentance. He is always willing to forgive and restore what has been lost.