All around them the degenerative effects of sin upon the fallen race were all too apparent. God still strives with man. The cause of this struggle. The outcome of this struggle. God wrestles with man.
Conscience is the wrestling ground.
The soul of the creature is in rebellion against the Creator. A holy God is of necessity a sin-hating God. But this final part of the sentence is not immediately carried out. Divine forbearance is seen. God in His wondrous longsuffering waits to be gracious to the rebel.