God is always reluctant to turn people loose, but His faithfulness to His promise of soul-freedom mandates that He drop the rope when they continue in rebellion.

"… 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

Imagine four teenage boys in a fishing boat on the Niagara River, tied to a rope. God holds the rope, restraining the boys. Finally they get in some pretty fast water, and God begins to pull back. The adolescents want more thrill, and demand He drop the rope. God promised the boys they could be free. With sadness, He lets go the rope, and gives them over to their choice. The slowness of God’s anger means He is reluctant to turn people loose, but ultimately His faithfulness to His promise of soul-freedom mandates that He drop the rope when they continue in rebellion.