If we just waited before we reacted; I can think of many situations today that have simply got worse because people waded in with their judgment far too quickly; and happily I can think of people who under incredible provocation have and are demonstrating longsuffering/patience.
“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation …”(2 Peter 3 v 15)
The return of Christ hasn’t obviously happened yet. Why? It is simply because God is being patient and we all must agree that He does this as the world brings incredible provocation to Him. They blaspheme Him, they commit atrocities even in His name, they misrepresent Him, they turn their back on Him and they live lives devoid of His presence and power.
I love the reports that come in from the pastors who every weekend are seeing salvations and baptising new people who have come into the family of God. How thankful we are that God has waited and Jesus is not here yet! Can you imagine if these people had missed their opportunity? Of course that will happen to someone at some point for Jesus is returning. However, it reveals the reason why He hasn’t yet returned; God wants as many as possible to come to Him.
If God can wait then can we? Or are we far too quick to right someone off especially if they have spoken against us. Who is the owner of vengeance? The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19 that the owner is God according to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:35).
Maybe if you simply wait awhile it will give them time to turn around and to repent before you. Obviously this can only last for a certain amount of time before you step forward for you certainly don’t want to endorse bad behaviour and this waiting by God will also only last a while. But perhaps we should do what He has been doing and that is to offer patience.
Missions Paul 