X

The Fruit of the Spirit! “Longsuffering” (Part 5)

‘The fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.’
(Galatians 5:22-23 in the Holy Bible)

Longsuffering is a very fine virtue. I think it is one of the most important qualities.

I see longsuffering in two ways; Longsuffering in one’s own personal life and longsuffering in dealing with others. Lets look at this.

1. Longsuffering in one’s personal life:
Few things in life work out exactly as planed or conceived. Most things require some type of patience. To endure in the face of adversity and go on when every thing says no is vital in completing a mission in life. This fruit of the spirit makes life so wonderful. Instead of living in constant emotional turmoil the person that is longsuffering looks at the long term and not just temporary fulfillment. One of the qualities of God is longsuffering. He is longsuffering with us. He has a long-range plan. Even before the foundation of the world God had a plan. The world is not beyond the plan and power of God. Look how longsuffering God has been through the ages. Look how long God worked in the world with the plan for the Messiah. Look at how longsuffering Jesus was with His disciples. See how even today God is longsuffering with us. Thank you Lord for being longsuffering with me.

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.
(Psalms 86:15 in the Holy Bible)

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9 in the Holy Bible)

As I see how God has worked in this world so long it gives me strength to press on with His call in my life. Carrying the cross around the world is a long term mission that takes much longsuffering. One step at a time’¦ across Africa! Across Europe, and Asia and from North America to South America and on and on I could go.

I encourage you in the mission and call of Jesus in your life. No matter what press on! Many of the things that have required the most longsuffering in me have in the long term been some of my most blessed experiences.

When every thing says “No’, here comes Jesus!

2. Longsuffering in dealing with others:

It is very important to be longsuffering in our relationships with others. Being truly loving and caring for others feelings is most important. Often we are so impatient with others. We push and drive and criticize and offend. We hurt often the ones we love the most! Our lack of longsuffering can be very destructive for others. It can ruin a marriage. It can drive your children away. It can destroy your life and leave you wondering ‘why’?

Come to Jesus now and let the Holy Spirit work in you to fill you with this God like quality.

Here are the powerful words of the Bible.

“With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.’
(Ephesians 4:2 in the Holy Bible)

Now may this wonderful fruit of the Spirit be yours in Jesus Name.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,
Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1