Somebody Loves You

SATURDAY March 1, 2025

A Pattern of Longsuffering

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:16-17

Paul’s constant thoughts were about those who needed to receive God’s salvation in the future to come. He told Timothy that his testimony, when shared with other people, had the power to lead them to Christ. Through the story of Paul’s conversion, nonbelievers could grasp the reality of God’s mercy and longsuffering for themselves. It became a pattern that they could see, understand, and follow to receive salvation.

God is longsuffering––it is a quality of His character. The word longsuffering literally means “slow to anger.” He is patient and forbearing toward sinners; His judgment upon them is not immediate. This is what the Bible reveals about His character: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The promise for the repentant is the promise of everlasting life (John 3:16).

Reflecting on his own conversation and its impact, Paul ended 1 Timothy 1:17, with a beautiful doxology. He profoundly declared that Christ is the only King eternal––the King of all ages. He is matchless and above all other gods; they are as nothing. In this, our God is unique. God is immortal––incorruptible. This attribute gives us such hope, because one day our mortal bodies shall be raised incorruptible. God is proclaimed as invisible, but Christ was revealed to us––God incarnate in the flesh. God is wise––omniscient––knowing all things.

God has been revealed to us in the Scriptures. There is no reason why anyone should remain in their sin and perish. If you need salvation, repent of your sin and place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

The tears of Christ are the pity of God. The gentleness of Jesus is the long-suffering of God. The tenderness of Jesus is the love of God. He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.
~Alexander MacLaren~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!