Sinclair Ferguson

The Lord is merciful and gracious, says Psalm 103.

The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

We sometimes speak about people who have a short fuse, and this word patience suggests that a Christian is someone whose fuse gets longer and longer and longer, even in the face of provocation.

And you can see where the motivation for this grace comes from, can't you?

It's because God has been so patient with us.

So as His children, we breathe in the family atmosphere and we learn by the Spirit to mimic Him.

And this brings a couple of thoughts to my mind.

One is that I've met professing Christians who have said quite openly and without embarrassment and almost with a touch of pride, I'm the kind of person who doesn't suffer fools gladly.

And you know, I always want to say three words.

Well, Jesus did.

And the darker side of me then wants to add, and you're one of those fools.

Not being patient with others is not a virtue.

It's a blemish because it means I'm not being like the Lord Jesus.

Now, I know you may be thinking, but what about this situation?

What about that situation?

Isn't there righteous anger?

Well, yes, of course that's true.

But what Paul is speaking about here is our basic day-to-day instinct and reaction to people and also to situations that are challenging or frustrating.

And you know what we want to say, don't you?

It's this.