October 21, 2026
Practice Patience, Practice Grace
James 5:10, Jonah Chapters 1-4, 2 Peter 3:9
Jonah is one of the richest of all of the minor prophetic books of the Old Testament in applicable spiritual knowledge. Jonah has so many lessons about justice and mercy, but what few realize is how closely tied the story of Jonah is to God’s clear demonstration of His patience. The vehicle that God uses for mercy, compassion, and love for not only Jonah, but the entire civilization of Nineveh is His patience. After Jonah has run, sailed, and done all he could do to get away from doing what God has called him to do, he finally goes to pronounce judgment and destruction on Nineveh. After God sees the Ninevites’ grief and repentance, though, it says he “changed his mind” (3:10).
Jonah is not here for this at all. He goes and pouts and then explodes in rage against the Lord. In Jonah 4:2-3, we see Jonah acknowledge this fundamental piece of God’s character: His patience. “I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord!” Woah! That escalated quickly. “You’re so patient! It’s driving me crazy!” How does Jonah know that God is merciful, compassionate, slow to get angry (patient), and full of unfailing love? Because God has already shown Him all of these things when he rebelled against God.
Mercy and grace are two characteristics that God possesses that we don’t need a lot of explaining to wrap our minds around when we are the personal recipients. Thank God He is patient with us! But what about when God calls us to exercise that for others? What about when God calls us to be patient with others? What if that patience means long-suffering? Now that is a different chore altogether. Throughout Scripture we can see that God is patient with us. He shows His patience through His grace, mercy, and love towards us. We are drawn to this piece of God’s character. This should become the defining piece of our character too. If the Spirit is truly working in our saved, grace-bought, and patiently secured hearts, then we should be patient with those around us. That means that we are actively patient even (and especially!) with those who don’t deserve it, and those who, when we exercise it, make us feel like we’re suffering. Patience is the vehicle of grace, compassion, and love that Christ uses on creation, and it is meant to be the vehicle we use with His creation too. Remember, the patience of the Lord manifests in the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we turn our eyes to Him, which the Holy Spirit leads us to do, we see what patience truly is.
Reflection
Who do you struggle to show this kind of patience with? Why? Reflect on the ways God has been patient with you. Be really honest with yourself and God about these areas and times. Now, when you have spent time reflecting upon His patience for you, how do you feel towards being patient with others?