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God is described as being “long of nostrils” – a combination of two Hebrew words that are translated “longsuffering” or “slow to anger.” “Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth” (Ex. 34:6). See also Num. 14:18; Ps. 86:15; 103:8.
We are to be imitators of God (Eph. 5:1) and be “slow to anger” because we are told that, “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” (Prov. 14:1).
The word in the New Testament rendered "longsuffering" is “makrothumia.” This word was used in the Septuagint to render the Hebrew words 'erekh ‘appayim which literally means “long of nostrils.” Anger was anticipated when the nostrils flared and figuratively smoke came out of them. Ps 18:8: “There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.”
The Greek word could mean literally, "long of mind or soul" (regarded as the seat of the emotions). This is opposed to shortness of mind or soul, irascibility, impatience, and intolerance.
This quality is attributed to God. “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4).
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). See also Rom. 9:22-24.
God’s patience is not weakness. It is designed to bring about repentance. “And rend your heart and not your garments. Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil” (Joel 2:13).
Jesus taught His disciples to be patient with people. When James & John wanted to bring fire from heaven against the Samaritans, Jesus warned them to take heed as to what spirit they were in (Luke 9:52-55).
Jesus used the word “makrothumia” in a parable of a man who owed his master an enormous amount that he had no hopes of paying. He fell before him and begged the master for patience and said he would pay it all. The master who had thought of selling the man, his wife and his children felt compassion and frankly forgave the entire debt.
Later, that same man left and found his fellow-worker who owed him a day’s wage. While the man begged for patience, the forgiven man threatened to send him to prison until he paid every last cent. He refused to have patience with him. Soon the master found out what the forgiven man had done and called him back in saying, “You evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me: Was it not right for you to have mercy on the other servant, even as I had mercy on you?” (Matt. 18:32-33). His lord then gave him over to those who would punish him. Jesus’ lesson is this: “So will my Father in heaven do to you, if you do not everyone, from your hearts, give forgiveness to his brother.”