Longsuffering of God: A Fruit of the Spirit

When I first became a Christian, I was 21 years young and naive. Back then, I was totally ignorant about Christianity and had no knowledge of the scriptures. Not surprisingly, my average view of the Christian life was deliverance from trouble. Yet I believe many have had this same viewpoint. Over the years I’ve come to realize my outlook was not accurate. As it turns out, I’ve learned a thing or two about longsuffering (patience in some Bible translations); a fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering…” (Galatians 5:22)

Longsuffering, a fruit of the Spirit, comprises patience, steadfastness, and forbearance. In addition, it includes a forward-looking optimistic waiting. Even though what we experience may feel negative, long-suffering produces positive results in our lives.

Now it so happens we all experience troubles. And frequently the real suffering is in how our troubles affect us within. When a trial comes upon us we encounter doubts, uncertainties, and fears as we anticipate the future and all the imagined outcomes.

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b).

Jesus warned his followers they would have trouble in the world. Therefore, we should expect them since he forewarned us. Oftentimes, we tend to forget this and discouragement sets in.

“For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined” (Psalm 66:10). By purifying trials we are proved, as silver in the fire.

Psalm 66:10 explains the purpose of troubles in this life. It states, “You have refined us as silver is refined.” In other words God purges the dross (impurities) out of our hearts. Men refine silver or precious metals till all the impurities have been removed from it. Likewise God uses trials to remove the impurities within us.

“But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15).

Our model for longsuffering is our Lord. He is patient with sinners (us). And the ultimate demonstration of God’s longsuffering is His waiting for individuals to respond in faith to Jesus Christ. By contrast what we endure is very little compared with the great things our Lord suffered (also, I might add, the persecuted church past and present).

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God” (1Peter 4:17)?

Today, however, you may have noticed that Christians seem to be experiencing a great amount of troubles. Why is this happening? Perhaps one reason; the church age is coming to an end. The “Day of the Lord” is near and I believe, as many do, judgment is already taking place.

And yet Peter says that judgment must begin at the house of God. Peter maintains that God will judge all people impartially, but also stresses the fact that He will begin with His own people. And so all people will be held accountable for their actions, believers and non-believers alike.

“That He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:27).

Just one more thing, I believe Christians may be experiencing troubles at this “late hour” because God is purifying the bride of Christ before the “Day of the Lord.” Jesus knows His bride is not perfect and He wants to remove the spots and wrinkles for the day we, the Bride of Christ, will be united with Him. In love He is sanctifying us.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). Perseverance is the key, and the rewards are sure.

Our hearts and our flesh fail us many times in response to the troubles we may encounter. But let us not forget, the contest will not last long. This we must remember, our trials are temporary and will soon be over.

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-19).