Forgiveness is costly. We often romanticise the kindness and the redemption of God towards us, but it cost Him, Jesus.
Our Lord is patient with us, not because we deserve it, but because that’s who He is. “I am the Lord God. I am merciful and very patient with my people” ( Exodus 34:6 ESV)
God waited for the people of Israel time after time to repent and they didn’t. He waits for me and you, He is very patient indeed.
A friend of my husband told him when he became a Christian that he did not like Christians because they are so forgiving and so patient.
If we were waiting for the world to like us, that sort of seals it.
Still, as God’s children we are to be patient with one another and them who God is being patient for their salvation. We do that by being patient and prayerful. We wait and not whine. We smile when we feel like stomping the ground. We are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to wrath. ( See James 1:19)