Longsuffering

Longsuffering is not a word that is used much today. I had to add it to my keyboard’s built in dictionary so it wouldn’t auto correct it. Not only is the word not used much today, it also isn’t practiced much today. I don’t think that is because people don’t know the meaning of the word, but rather we don’t know the concept of living out the definition of the word.

Longsuffering is defined as “having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.”

Everybody has experienced trouble caused by other people. It happens everyday. But it also happens to God everyday and He is our example of how to respond.

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and LONGSUFFERING, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
Romans 2:4 NKJV

And this was written to people who were already Christians. But God is wanting to conform us into the image of His Son.  He wants us to treat others the way He treats us.

“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with LONGSUFFERING, bearing with one another in love,”
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬2 NKJV

This doesn’t come naturally though. It’s actually a fruit of the Spirit of God. (Gal 5:22)  As we yield our will to His will, His Spirit releases grace into our lives to enable us to live as He would.

“strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and LONGSUFFERING with joy;”
Colossians 1:11 NKJV

The reason God is patient with us is because He loves us and wants an intimate relationship with us. (2 Peter 3:9) So maybe our relationships with others could be more pleasant if we can learn to be more longsuffering.

I’ve got a long way to go before I can say that this fruit has been developed in me. But I want to be like Jesus and I want to be pleasing to God so I will continue to yield to His will and allow His grace to empower me to suffer long for the benefit of us all.