Strong and SecureSample

Slow to Anger

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Psalm 103:8

Lynn

As a teenager, there were certain adults I felt I had to be perfect around or they would get irritated. It seemed to take very little to set them off. Somewhere along the way, I began to believe God was the same way as these adults. I thought when I messed up, God would also get angry with me, as if He had a short temper. It wasn’t until later in my life that I learned He was just the opposite.

Psalm 103:8 teaches us that our Father “is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” Father God doesn’t look at how I’ve messed up repeatedly and get angry with me. Father God is not hard to please or easily angered. Love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4) and God is love (1 John 4:7). His love keeps flowing to me, even when I fail and make a mistake or sin. And He is quick to forgive when I ask.

Today, when people get mad at me, I have to remind myself God is not mad at me too. I am learning, though, that while others see my actions and may assume the worst about me, my Father sees me and understands my heart even more than my actions. When we understand this truth, peace can fill our hearts because our Father’s love covers all of our shortcomings.

Experiencing Father God’s Peace

Say this prayer to your Father: Father, while others see my actions and assume the worst, You see my heart and understand my actions. Align both my heart and my actions with Your truth, Lord. Amen.

Growing Stronger

Do an internet search using this phrase: “Bible verses that show God is slow to anger.” Read a few of the verses given, reassuring your heart of this truth, and write down your favorite.