Longsuffering [20100405]

Hello and happy Monday. Welcome to the blog. Today marks the start of a new word from my list. Come along on the journey and see what's in store.

The month of April I will be focusing on longsuffering. What the bible says about it and how it applies to our life. Today we'll start off with the definition and history of longsuffering.

Definition of longsuffering: long and patient endurance of injury, trouble, or provocation: years of long-suffering and illness.

So, as you can see in the definition it involves more than just being patient. It's a long endurance. Hence, "longsuffering". How many of you can say you do good at longsuffering? I haven't! Only God knows how impatient I've been in this department. I'm so grateful for HIS grace and forgiveness to see me through.

Now, the Int'l Standard Bible Encyclopedia (history of long-suffering) says this:

• long-suf'-er-ing ('erekh 'appayim; makrothumia):

  The words 'erekh 'appayim, translated longsuffering, mean literally, "long of nose" (or "breathing"), and, as anger was indicated by rapid, violent breathing through the nostrils, "long of anger," or "slow to wrath." Click here to read more.
  

I find the history of words fascinating. After reading that; how many of you can that you're slow to anger? I haven't been. Sometimes, I need a swift kick in the pants to be reminded by God to slow my roll.

So, now, what does God's word say? Let's take a peek.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10
⁴ But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, ⁵ in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; ⁶ by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, ⁷ by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, ⁸ by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; ⁹ as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Ephesians 4:1-3
¹ I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ² with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³ endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Colossians 3:12-13
¹² Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

2 Peter 3:8-9
⁸ But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ 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.

[Emphasis mines]

Click here --> Matthew Henry to read what he says.

Um, I think I'm in big trouble. What about you? God's word also calls for us to endure each other and to be forgiving of each other. It seems it all comes down to obedience and forgiveness just as we've seen before. God is mighty patient of us. See in v.9 of 2 Peter 3. He keeps His promises. He's not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

HE's waiting patiently. How long will HE have to wait... for you? I know HE's really been waiting for quite some time... according to human standards. But, also in that same passage above, His timing of a day is like that of a thousand years.

I don't know about you, but, I'm not going to live a thousand years. I may only live one more day though. So might you. I thank God for His forgiveness and the gift of salvation.

How longsuffering are you? Surrender your will to God and allow the Holy Spirit to flood your soul. He will be your guide and help you to be longsuffering.

Prayer: Dear Father God, I pray for each of my readers to surrender their will to You and that they would be longsuffering in Your name. I pray that I would be more-so longsuffering for You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.

Until next time. Happy Monday!