Longsuffering

Longsuffering

The term “longsuffering” is a term that is found several times throughout the Word of God.  “Longsuffering” according to Thayer’s is a term that means “patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrong.”  Vine’s expository dictionary defines the biblical term this way, “longsuffering is the quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish.  It is the opposite of anger and is associated with mercy, and is used of God.”

In simple terms, to be longsuffering is to be “long-tempered.”  Did you ever know someone that had a quick temper, that got mad easily, had a “short fuse”?  Longsuffering is the opposite of that.  Someone who is patient, slow to anger, slow to seek vengeance or payback.  This term is used in relation to the character of God.  We see this in Nehemiah 9:16-21 in God’s patience toward Israel, despite their disobedience to God and His law.  Verse 17 for example, says, “They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them.  But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage.  But you are God, ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.”  Although the term “longsuffering” itself is not used in this verse, the idea and definition of the term is described here in God’s dealing with Israel’s wrongdoing.  The idea and description of God’s longsuffering is again expressed in verse 19, “Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness.  The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, To lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of  fire by night, To show them light, And the way they should go.”  Because of the longsuffering of God, He did not forsake His people and He delayed punishment (although the nation would eventually be taken in to captivity). 

God’s longsuffering continues still today.  Notice II Pet. 3:8-9, “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.”  We are assured in Scripture that the day of judgment is coming as described here in II Pet 3:10-13 and in Matt. 25:31-46.  God, however, because of His longsuffering has delayed and continues to delay this judgement because of His love and mercy and His desire for all to be saved through the blood of Christ and obedience to His word.  God is longsuffering!!

We know and read of the longsuffering of God, but we as His children are also commanded that we have this same character in our lives.  Gal. 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control.”  In this section of Galatians 5, Paul is discussing the dangers of letting the flesh overcome the spirit.  Walking in the Spirit, living a righteous life before God and man requires us to display the characteristics described in verses 22 and 23.  One of those is the trait of longsuffering.  We must learn to be patient, long-tempered, slow to wrath, etc.  We are living examples of Christians to all those we come in contact with.  Our behavior and conduct will either bring honor to God or do harm to the cause.  James 1:19-20 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (20) for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  We must be patient, slow to wrath and leave vengeance to God.  Be longsuffering as God is longsuffering!!!!!!!

- Garrett Alsip