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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
It has been said that longsuffering means "suffering long." That is a good answer, but a better definition is needed. The word longsuffering in the Bible is made up of two Greek words meaning "long" and "temper"; literally, "long-tempered." To be longsuffering, then, is to have self-restraint when one is stirred to anger. A longsuffering person does not immediately retaliate or punish; rather, he has a "long fuse" and patiently forbears. Longsuffering is associated with mercy (1 Peter 3:20) and hope (1 Thessalonians 1:4). It does not surrender to circumstances or succumb to trial.
God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18-20; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15). He is patient with sinners. At the same time, God's longsuffering can come to an end, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19) and the sending of Israel into captivity (1 Kings 17:1-23; 2 Kings 24:17-25).
The believer in Jesus Christ receives the very life of God, His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). That life produces certain characteristics (fruit) that are displayed in the believer as he obeys the Holy Spirit who lives within him. One of those godly characteristics from Galatians 5:22-23 is "longsuffering." The word is translated "patience" in the New American Standard Bible. Longsuffering is to be exhibited by all believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12).
Think how our lives would be affected if longsuffering were exhibited in individual relationships, family relationships, church relationships, and workplace relationships. The old nature can be very short-fused at times, and we tend to strike back against offenses with unkind words and unforgiving spirits. By obeying the Holy Spirit, the believer in Christ can say "no" to retaliation and exhibit a forgiving and longsuffering attitude. As God is longsuffering with us, we can and must be longsuffering with others (Ephesians 4:30-32).
The ultimate example of God's longsuffering is His waiting for individuals to respond in faith to Jesus Christ. God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Have you made that decision to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and that He rose again to provide forgiveness and eternal life? If not, read Romans 10:9-13.
See http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-longsuffering.html
Andy Mangus
Supporter
To me, the best answer that I can give is a very simple one and one that even a small, young child can totally understand! It means to endure to the end; to be secure with "waiting...as "wait upon The LORD...., etc..." The Apostle Paul was one of the very best examples of long suffering and endurance! Paul (Saul) on the road to Damascus; where, he encountered Jesus speaking to him and asking him "Why dost thou persecute me?" This was The Apostle Paul's definitive beginning of becoming one of the best examples of what it means to take GOD seriously, for our eternal souls rest in THE very name above ALL NAMES.....JESUS CHRIST! "Thank GOD that He provided a Savior! And, His name is JESUS CHRIST!" -Andy-
Chris Eleam
Supporter
Peace—another aspect of the spirit’s fruitage—is a state of tranquillity and freedom from disturbance. Our heavenly Father is the God of peace, and we are given the assurance: “The LORD himself will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11; 1 Corinthians 14:33) Jesus told his disciples: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace.” (John 14:27) How would that help his followers? The peace that Jesus gave his disciples calmed their hearts and minds and allayed their fears. Especially did they have peace when they received the promised holy spirit. (John 14:26) Under the spirit’s influence and in answer to our prayers today, we enjoy the incomparable “peace of God,” which puts our heart and mind at rest. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Moreover, God's spirit helps us to be calm and peaceable with fellow believers and others.—Romans 12:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:13. Long-suffering is related to peaceableness, for it is our patient endurance of provocation or wrong in hopes of improvement in the situation. God is long-suffering. (Romans 9:22-24) Jesus also manifests this quality. We can be recipients of it, for Paul wrote: “The reason why I was shown mercy was that by means of me as the foremost case Christ Jesus might demonstrate all his long-suffering for a sample of those who are going to rest their faith on him for everlasting life.”—1 Timothy 1:16. The quality of long-suffering helps us to endure when others say or do unkind or thoughtless things. Paul urged fellow Christians: “Be long-suffering toward all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Since all of us are imperfect and make mistakes, surely we want people to be patient with us, to be long-suffering when we err in our dealings with them. Let us therefore make it a point to “be long-suffering with joy.”—Colossians 1:9-12.
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