Putting yourself in God's shoes

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11

We've all been there...

We've all had our moments when "enough was enough" and we've lashed out in frustration, anger, or even physical action. It might have been to a friend, loved one or even a stranger. But never-the-less we acted in a manner directly opposite of what God expects from us. There are countless stories where someone was victimized, either physically or emotionally and the perpetrator got away with it. Sadly, this is the world we live in...where our hearts, minds, philosophies, and goals are constantly influenced by the enemy.

4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4

What we must remember is that patience is of great importance to our spiritual growth. It's really easy for us to be the 'poster child' for patience when everything is going our way. The true test of tolerance comes when we struggle with events that greatly irritate us. Each and every one of us has a "button" or multiple "buttons" that once pushed, trigger irritation, anger, irrational behavior, and possibly even violence.

So, how do you think God feels when we sin and disobey His word? Sin is a direct offense and irritant to God...and He deals with it countless times a day AND has dealt with it since the dawn of time. I don't think we can even begin to fathom the amount of patience and love that our God has for us if we think about how frustrating it must be to watch the things that we do each and every day.

Can you imagine your son, daughter or a close loved one constantly disobeying you? It can be very frustrating and lead to actions that we later regret. Some people even go so far as to disown or even murder their their own blood out of anger or frustration. The bible tells us that we will have trials on this earth...

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

And it is through the victory of these trials that we will grow and teach others...

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows
Corinthians 1:3-5

Final thoughts:
The next time we get angry, feel frustration or discomfort about a particular situation let's try to think about how God has felt with us throughout our lifetime. Think about all the mistakes that we've made and how He's forgiven us and permitted us to learn and grow from our mistakes. How easily would it have been for Him to strike us down and be done with it. But, He does not, for He is a loving and forgiving God.

Let us have patience with one another as God has had patience with us. Then let us use these lessons to teach others around us, for some of the greatest acts come from sharing what we have learned so that others may not stumble as harshly.

25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:25-27

To save your soul, you must save a soul

God bless you. And this is for His Glory!