The Greek word for longsuffering makróthymos (Strong’s #3115) is made up of two words makro (long) and thumos, (wrath). Slow to wrath. The idea is to remain in a state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavorable circumstances. Longsuffering is patiently enduring lasting offenses or hardships.
James 1:19-20 – Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Proverbs 14:29 – He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
Longsuffering is the ability of restraining oneself in the face of provocation that does not quickly retaliate or immediately punish. It avoids quarrels, restores injustices, and cultivates charity.
Numbers 14:18 – The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Longsuffering endures the abuse and ill-treatment of others without growing resentful or bitter.
Ephesians 4:1-3 – I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Colossians 3:12-13 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
You cannot be longsuffering without also be willing to forgive others.
Romans 2:4 – Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
How do you respond to those who irritate you, get under your skin, never let up on you? How does God want us to respond? Longsuffering.
But how?
Exodus 34:6-7 – And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
Just as God is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. He does not do unto us as we deserve, but rather forgives us. God uses restraint.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Take the burden of resentment and vengeance off your heart and COMMIT your way unto the Lord.
Psalms 37:5-6 – Commit
thy way unto the Lord: trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as
the noonday.
Don’t worry about justice being served. God will take care of them.
Romans 12:19 – Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
We cannot obtain longsuffering overnight. When we continuously live in the Spirit and daily place all our sinful tendencies on the cross, we will gain the virtue – Longsuffering – little by little.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Difficult days are inevitable and sometimes unavoidable; but you don’t have to let them make you miserable. The next time your patience is being tested, take time to quiet your mind, remove yourself from the irritation, and call on God for His help.
Tips on helping to become more longsuffering:
- Purposely and consciously yield your life to Christ. Don’t fight it or run from your trial. Allow the trial to be your teacher. Ask God to help you learn what you need to be taught.
- Practice patience. Focus on a solution. What must you do to take steps in the right direction? Ask God to show you the truth in love. James 2:14
- Become more disciplined in studying the Word of God. Ask God to help you understand what longsuffering actually involves. Read the Book of James. Ask God to show you all His promises and give you wisdom, peace, endurance, faith, healing, and protection.
- Find the “golden nugget” because there is a greater purpose. Your trials often become triumphs for others. Jeremiah 29:11-14
