The Forbearance of God

Peter denounced the false teachers in the second chapter of his second epistle. What was wrong with them?
These false teachers brought in destructive heresies within the community (2 Peter 2:1). They followed their own licentiousness and twisted the truth (2 Peter 2:2). They were greedy and exploited others with false teachings (2 Peter 2:3). They had eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sins. What was worse, they enticed unsteady souls. (2 Peter 2:14). They were waterless springs and mists driven by a storm (2 Peter 2:17). They uttered loud boasts of folly (2 Peter 2:18). They had been ransomed by the precious blood of the Lord. Yet, they turned back and remained entangled with their passions of the flesh (2 Peter 2:20-21). True to the proverb, they were dogs which turned back to their own vomit (2 Peter 2:22, Proverbs 26:11). What severe criticisms! Being a teacher myself, can I not be very careful in my words and deeds, lest I live like a dog myself?
In this chapter, Peter also mentioned how God preserved Noah in the flood and Lot in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God did not spare the sinful angels, the sinful world and her sinful cities. Yet, Peter reassured the faithful that God preserved the righteous. (2 Peter 2:4-10). Whatever adverse environment you are living in, don't be afraid. Just keep your faith in God. He will visit you and deliver you in time of tribulations. Even if you are living among sinners and your hearts ache seeing their evil deeds, walk in the path of God and He will preserve you like Noah and Lot. The sinful environment and the sinful men around you are no excuse for your abandoning yourself. Rather, see them as purifying fire to rid you of your pride and arrogance.
God is patient and merciful.
The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:8).
The will of God is crystal clear. He wants everyone to reach repentance. He does not wish to see any one of us perish. Though we always try to force His hand, He has His own agenda. We want to see sinners punished. Nay, Peter told us that this is not the will of God. He wants us to bring them back. Jesus, the first-fruit of resurrection has done his part. It is our turn to lend a helping hand to our fallen brothers.
Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
And count the forbearance of our Lord as salvation.  (2 Peter 3:14-15a)

My Advocate, remove in us the desire to see sinners punished. Build into us Your forbearance. This is going to be our seed of salvation. May we lead a life without spot or blemish. Amen.