What “God Will Not Always Strive with Man” Means for Us Today
Introduction: Understanding Genesis 6:3
Genesis 6:3 says, “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not always strive with man, for he is flesh; his days shall be 120 years.’” If you’re not familiar with Bible language, this verse might sound mysterious. But at its heart, it’s a message about patience, warning, and the consequences of ignoring what’s right. Let’s break down what this means in everyday terms and why it still matters to us.
God’s Patience and Its Limits
The phrase “God will not always strive with man” is a way of saying that God is patient, but there’s a limit. For a long time, God put up with people’s bad behavior, hoping they’d change. He gave them chances to turn their lives around. But eventually, He set a boundary—a point where enough was enough. Just like a loving parent might warn a child many times before finally stepping in, God’s Spirit was working with people, urging them to do better, but He didn’t promise to keep doing so forever.
Human Mortality and Sin: “For He Is Flesh”
When Genesis says “for he is flesh,” it’s reminding us that humans aren’t perfect. We make mistakes. We get caught up in selfishness and sometimes ignore what’s right. Our bodies don’t last forever, and our lives are short compared to eternity. This part of the verse points out our weakness and tendency to mess up—the reason why we need guidance and, sometimes, correction.
The 120-Year Window: A Time to Turn Around
Before the Great Flood, God gave humanity a heads-up: 120 years to get their act together. That’s a long grace period, a chance to think things over and make changes. Imagine being told you have over a century to fix what’s wrong in your life! Despite this generous window, people kept living the same way, ignoring the warning. The 120 years weren’t just about counting down to disaster; they were about giving everyone plenty of time to make a fresh start.
Urgency for Response: Why the Warning Matters
Warnings are meant to be taken seriously. When God said His Spirit wouldn’t keep striving with people forever, He was telling them not to take His patience for granted. There comes a time when the chance to change runs out. The flood wasn’t just a random event—it was the result of people refusing to listen, even when given lots of time. The urgency here is clear: don’t wait until it’s too late to respond to what’s right.
Divine Mercy and Justice: Compassion Balanced with Judgment
It’s important to see both sides of God’s character in this story. On one hand, He shows incredible mercy by giving people many opportunities to repent. On the other, He holds people accountable for their choices. Mercy doesn’t mean ignoring wrongdoing forever; justice means there are consequences when warnings go unheeded. This balance helps us understand why God sometimes acts firmly after being patient for so long.
Lessons from the Flood: Sin, Repentance, and God’s Character
The flood wasn’t just about punishment—it was about the seriousness of ignoring what’s right. Persistent sin, without any effort to change, leads to trouble. The story teaches us that repentance (turning away from wrong and moving toward good) is always possible, but only while the window of opportunity is open. God’s patience is a gift, but it’s not endless. We’re called to recognize our faults and make changes while we still can.
Conclusion: Heeding Divine Warnings Today
Genesis 6:3 is more than an ancient warning—it’s a reminder for all of us. God’s patience is remarkable, but it isn’t limitless. When we sense a nudge to do better, to make amends, or to change course, we shouldn’t ignore it. The story of the flood shows that mercy comes with a call to respond. If we take these warnings seriously, we can experience the kindness and justice of God in a way that changes our lives for the better. Don’t wait—use the time you have to make things right.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
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