The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Do we understand how great God’s love for us really is? Ephesians 3 talks about how long, how wide, how high and how deep is the love of Christ. Luke 15 records the story of the prodigal son, and how the father, in a very undistinguished and undignified manner “ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him”, after the son had disobeyed him and squandered away his inheritance. And John 3:16 portrays the great sacrifice that was paid because of God’s love for us.

In the verse above from 2 Peter, we get a glimpse of God’s great patience, but also His amazing love for us. He loves us so much that He does not want a single soul to perish, that is, to die without Christ and live eternally separated from him. Perhaps He is purposefully patient so as to allow more people time and opportunity to hear the Gospel message and repent and place their faith in Jesus.

Look at the words anyone and everyone. I believe this is literal. God’s heart is literally that all people would commit their lives to Jesus Christ. The sad reality is that people are dying every day without a relationship with Christ, but this is not God’s desire. We were created by God and for God, to worship Him and have a relationship with Him.

Take a moment this week and reflect on how deeply God loves you. Thank Him for it. Then ask Him what a proper response to His love would be.