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The Long-suffering of God an Eternal Blessing to MankindThe Watchtower—1966 | July 15
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praising him. Truly Jehovah has enhanced his glory through his long-suffering!
23. (a) What warning is given in connection with the long-suffering of God? (b) What should Christians always bear in mind so that they do not miss the purpose of God’s long-suffering?
23 With this good news, however, comes a word of warning that we individually and collectively not miss the purpose of Jehovah’s long-suffering. The apostle Peter wisely cautions us pointedly, saying: “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” Then the apostle adds: “Yet Jehovah’s day will come as a thief.” The wicked will be destroyed. We want ever to be assured and impressed with those facts—Jehovah’s day will come—the wicked will be destroyed. Since that is the case, “consider the patience of our Lord as salvation.” Therefore, take advantage of it. For those who do, there await eternal blessings in the new order of God under Christ, blessings resulting from the long-suffering of God.—2 Pet. 3:9-18; Gal. 6:9.
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Be Long-suffering Toward AllThe Watchtower—1966 | July 15
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Be Long-suffering Toward All
“BE LONG-SUFFERING TOWARD ALL.”—1 THESS. 5:14.
1. Among whom can long-suffering be found, and why?
AMONG all the creatures of the earth, only man appears to have the divine quality of long-suffering. Even among men it is rare. This is primarily because long-suffering is the fruitage of God’s spirit. (Gal. 5:22) Therefore, it can be found mainly among people in whom the spirit of God is at work. The exercise of this fruitage is a blessing indeed, not only to the one who is long-suffering, but to his associates as well. People living today in this impatient, selfish world need to be more long-suffering toward one another.
2. (a) What facts highlight the scarcity of this quality in the earth? (b) What makes long-suffering desirable?
2 When we bear in mind that long-suffering is an endurance of ill-treatment without irritation or retaliation, without murmuring or repining, and that it has as its unselfish end the salvation of mankind in view, we are a once appalled at the scarcity of this divine quality among mankind, and we are also impressed at the so great need of it. The need becomes even more evident when we realize that all mankind has been conceived in sin and born into a world alienated from God and steeped in corruption. (Ps. 51:5; 1 John 5:19) Daily survival in itself demands a certain amount of long-suffering, a toleration of minor offenses and injustices. Persons conscious of their personal failings are forever grateful for whatever forbearance does come their way. They actually hope for the tender affections, sympathy and compassion of others. Not to receive mercy and understanding can and often does plunge men into terrible depressions. Many have become overwhelmed under the weighty thoughts of their own unworthiness. So the practice of long-suffering
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