How do we know that God's patience reflects His love?

God's long-suffering is deeply rooted in His holiness and His nature as a loving God. In Exodus 34:6, God identifies Himself as merciful, gracious, and long-suffering, which captures the essence of His character. This patience is not a sign of weakness or indifference but an exercise of His mercy, giving individuals the chance to repent and draw near to Him before judgment. As seen in Numbers 14:18, His long-suffering serves to lead us to repentance, revealing the depth of His love and desire for relationship with His creation. Therefore, understanding God's long-suffering helps us recognize it as an invitation to salvation rather than merely a delay in judgment.