#109 – Longsuffering – The Fruit of the Spirit

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT – Part 4

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

The fourth fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering. Patience is another word that expresses the same thing as longsuffering. However, longsuffering emphasizes patience during the time of suffering.
This word could apply to a person who is suffering from sickness. I have known Christians who were bedfast for years. Some have a negative attitude, and it is depressing to visit with them. Others are happy Christians in spite of the circumstances. These Christians are the ones who cheer you up when you visit them. They are longsuffering. Richard Wurmbrand is an example in longsuffering. Wurmbrand spent fourteen years in a communist prison and was tortured repeatedly. I recommend his books. They are inspiring.
There is the longsuffering of a faithful pastor who grounds his flock in the Word of God. I remember when I was a boy that I wanted to go to bed and wake up twenty-one. Growth to maturity seemed so slow. This is also true in the spiritual realm. Paul said to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” It is so important that the young Christian be grounded in the Word of God so that he is not blown around by every wind of doctrine. Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;”

May the Lord bless these words to our hearts today!

In Christ,
Bro. White