“The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.”
- Numbers 14:18
This verse reminds me of how we should try to be when dealing with others, especially our children. We all have days where little things may get on our nerves and we may not be as patient as we would like to be. We are human and some days it is much easier to get angry and keep to yourself when someone upsets you. Thankfully, God does not treat us this way.
He is slow to anger. No matter how many times we repeat the same sin, He is patiently waiting for us to acknowledge our sin and turn from it. No matter what the sin is or how often we have done it, God still loves each of us. Although we repeatedly may ask for forgiveness for the same sin, God is forgiving us of our rebellion. He waits for us to turn to him and ask for forgiveness and love him back.
I know with me, it can be very difficult at times, especially when dealing with my children, to be slow to anger and abounding in love. Often I can find myself being impatient and wanting to yell because a child has disobeyed me for what feels like the hundredth time that day. However, I want to try to take a moment and think before I react. God is being patient with me and is teaching me with his loving correction. Shouldn’t I try to interact with my children and others in the same way?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for treating me in your loving and patient ways, even when I am being sinful and rebellious to you. When interacting with others, please help me to treat them as you treat me. Help me to constantly seek you in prayer and in the wisdom of your Word. Help me to show love and not impatience and help me to treat others with kindness and forgiveness when necessary, and not treat them with ugly words born of my anger.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
About the author: Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.
