The Fruit of the Holy Spirit - longsuffering

 

Fruit of the Holy spirit – Longsuffering [Galatians 5:22]

The tendency for people to ‘get even’ seems to be placed in them at birth by Satan; who has his own fruits. Often grudges, retained over perceived trespasses, goes with us to the grave. The Lord said “vengeance is mine.” [Hebrews 10:30] “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord...” Many have died, become lamed and suffered loss because another felt damaged by some act or word by them. It grew out of Satan’s invasion of life.

Some say that longsuffering means “suffering long.” Gritting your teeth and accepting in silence all that befalls us. That is only partially correct. There is much more. Taking a look at its origin we discover: The word longsuffering is rendered from two Greek words meaning “long” and “temper.” Then, one who is longsuffering, is one who displays self-restraint when trespasses against them occur. Longsuffering people have “long fuses” and patiently forbears with mercy.. (1 Peter 3:20) and hope (1 Thessalonians 1:3). It does not surrender to circumstances or succumb to Satan's urging to “get even.”.

The Holy Spirit (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). God is patient with sinners. At the same time, God’s longsuffering has limitations; examples are the flood and Sodom Gomorrah. (Genesis 18-19, Luke 17-29).

The believer in Jesus Christ receives the Holy Spirit with all the fruit it brings. (2 Peter 1:4). Christian living produces certain fruit that are displayed in its behavior. It is a life in obedience to the Holy Spirit who lives within them. One of those godly characteristics from Galatians 5:22–23 is “longsuffering or patience.” Longsuffering is not an option to believers (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12). Long suffering is a commandment of God.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if longsuffering were exhibited in individual relationships, family relationships, church relationships, and walking in life. By obeying the Holy Spirit, the believer in Christ must say “no” to retaliation and be forgiving and practice longsuffering. God certainly is longsuffering with us, we can and must be longsuffering with others (Ephesians 4:30–32).

God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He waits patiently. 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.