God is all-powerful, but his power is not exercised in some selfish way as we see it in humans. Instead, he treats us with mercy, kindness, and patience, offering us an opportunity to repent and grow in grace. Otherwise he would be like a farmer who damages his own crop while pulling up weeds sown by an enemy.
God’s patience is also demonstrated by allowing the slow growth of the Kingdom of God, like the growth of a large plant from a small seed or the penetration of yeast through a large mass of dough. It may be gradual, but the result is a large effect on the surroundings. So the Kingdom of God, from a small beginning, has changed the whole of human society, even though the world is full of sin.
How do we respond? Grateful servants respond by offering what we have – the time, the talent, and the treasure entrusted to us – back to him, an offering ever more freely given as we grow in faith.
