My son recently moved into an established neighborhood in Pittsburgh. The back “yard” (a large cement slab) is contained by a weathered fence, once painted in colors, now faded. In a few places, hedge bindweed has found a gap between the slats and now curls in vivid green against the dull hues.
It’s a lovely contrast. And it has me wondering if what the fence is keeping out isn’t an improvement on what it’s keeping in. This is not to overlook the impressive container garden my son has started. It’s just to acknowledge the surprising gift of unexpected flowers.
The next stop in my contemplation of the character of God is his patience. Much of what I read in Scripture – and the commentary on the attribute – seems centered around the idea that God’s patience is his holding back judgment on sin. That restraint is a demonstration of his power:
“Now may the Lord’s strength be displayed, just as you have declared: ‘The Lord is slow to anger…” (Num. 14:17-18a)
Octavius Winslow, a prominent 19th-century preacher, explains:
It is the power of God over Himself… Mercy withholds judgment, goodness restrains justice, patience curbs power, and thus the patience of God is the salvation of man.
In a way, God creates space. The retaining wall of his patience allows room for repentance. Today, this bindweed that sneaks through the boards reminds me that God isn’t satisfied with simply withholding judgment. He sends forth his tendrils of grace to offer his love, to draw us toward the abundant life in his Son.
This is quite a balancing act and one that we struggle to understand. God’s patience enfolds both his holiness and his mercy. He is “slow to anger and abounding in love” (Ex. 34:6). Stephen Charnock, the Puritan clergyman, writes:
(God) sees the sin and the sinner at the same time; the sin with an eye of abhorrency, and the sinner with an eye of pity. His eye is upon their iniquities, and his hatred edged against them; while he stands with arms open, waiting a penitent return.
What will we do with this space? For me, there is always the temptation to view his patience as disinterest – perhaps my sin isn’t all that big a deal to him. It leads to a spiritual procrastination – someday I’ll get around to addressing that.
But his slowness to anger should result in an abundance of his love in my life. That means I must make room, myself – clearing out wrongful loves to make space for his. That’s what repentance does.
It makes way for unexpected flowers.
Gracious and patient Father, we thank you for the space you’ve made for our repentance and growth. Help us to use this time to receive more of you.
Reader: How has God’s patience affected your spiritual life?
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