8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger and abounding in compassion and lovingkindness. [James 5:11]

9 The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. [Ps 90:4]

13 Rip your heart to pieces [in sorrow and contrition] and not your garments."

Now return [in repentance] to the Lord your God,

For He is gracious and compassionate,

Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness [faithful to His covenant with His people];

And He relents [His sentence of] evil [when His people genuinely repent].

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who *would believe in Him for eternal life.

18 Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you,

And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.

*For the Lord is a God of justice;

Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]. [John 14:3, 27; 2 Cor 12:9; Heb 12:2; 1 John 3:16; Rev 3:5]

14 Wait for and confidently expect the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

7 Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him;

Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way,

Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

3 In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice;

In the morning I will prepare [a prayer and a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure.

12 constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],

14 The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm."

4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.

9 Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.

5 Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

2 with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another *in [unselfish] love.

12 So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];

2 preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

13 But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.

42 "So be alert [give strict attention, be cautious and active in faith], for you do not know which day [whether near or far] your Lord is coming.

32 He who is slow to anger is better and more honorable than the mighty [soldier],

And he who rules and controls his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control],

But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see]. [Prov 16:32; James 1:19]

11 I am coming quickly. Hold tight what you have, so that no one will take your crown [by leading you to renounce the faith].

5 For His anger is but for a moment,

*His favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may endure for a night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning. [2 Cor 4:17]