To suffer long. What does this mean in the Biblical sense? Is it having the patience of the naturalist who may sit for hours to watch a flower bloom? Or is it something more? Will developing patience change your life?
Would you believe a commitment to patience, or longsuffering, will bring you calmness?
Full show notes at hopesharbor.net
Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions
Episode #33
Title: Longsuffering – with Patience – what benefit?
Date: December 20, 2021
Contact: info@hopesharbor.net
Key verse(s): Ephesians 4:2– ‘…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’
Being honest: Before I give this devotion on longsuffering, being patient, I confess I am not a patient, longsuffering man. Though I am working on it.
Intro: From the definitions of longsuffering in both the Old and New Testaments I found it fascinating the meaning has to do with restraining anger.
In the 4 verses in the OT, longsuffering is defined with two words. The first is From H748; long: - long [-suffering, -winged], patient, slow [to anger].
And the root word for long is to be drawn out, to defer. Used in conjunction with the second word which means ‘rapid breathing as when enraged’ we can see how the idea is to remain in control when angering circumstances confront us.
In the NT forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: - longsuffering, patience. It means with long (enduring) temper, that is, leniently:
The root for this word forbearance is from a compound word, the second of which means passion (as if breathing hard): - fierceness, indignation, wrath.
Again, the meaning of longsuffering is more than patience even though it includes being patient when angered. And it’s more than being patient in heavy traffic. Although a healthy dose of longsuffering would reduce if not eliminate road-rage.
Devotion focus: Using longsuffering daily is a choice made beforehand.
What is the benefit of having a longsuffering habit? Because without a habit developed beforehand, I can tell you by experience you will not be kind or gentle when these are called for.
One benefit, and maybe it’s a small one, is the lack of regret after encountering maddening people, traffic, or supervision. Whenever we lose our temper whether for these reasons or others, and there are many, isn’t there regret later?
You know, after you have your say and tell what’s on your mind. It is said that Christians are to be like Christ. That’s what Christian means: Christ-like.
If this is true…then what about when we lose it with others, especially loved ones, those closest to us? What is it doing to their chances of following our beliefs if we are angels on Sunday and devils during the week?
When I mentioned earlier how I’m not patient, it is most evident with my self-talk. My language when driving in heavy traffic betrays me. When I put in a dash camera I didn’t realize it would help me with not using certain words when I encounter selfish, mindless behavior in other drivers. Often though I have to erase the memory card in the camera when I get home because I am ashamed of something I said
The frustrating part is I can control my language and loss of temper. I know this because I have never dropped the F-bomb on my pastor whenever we ride somewhere together. So…I have no excuse.
But how do we become and maintain a patient, lenient, kind frame of mind?
First and foremost we must pray for help with it. Longsuffering as a fruit of the Spirit is a s
Show notes at HopesHarbor.net
