Longsuffering

Your longsuffering will be challenged by those you Love!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:

22  But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is Divine Love in all Its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

longsuffering (patience) that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart,

and strength of spirit.

23 Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

Longsuffering is the Greek word makrothumia which is the compound of makros and thumos.  The word makros means long, and thumos depicts a passionate desire, and compounded, it is a long-held passion; the patient restraint of anger and therefore longsuffering.  It can be translated as the words forbearance or patience; it is ready to forbear and patiently wait; it does not easily give up or bow out.

Paul also wrote in 1st Corinthians chapter 13:

Love suffers long (makrothumia) and is kind; Love does not envy; love does not parade Itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek iIs own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Have you ever had loved ones who have berated you and blamed you for their own actions, shirking responsibility and accountability?  Their flesh is revealing their immaturity.  It is the battle of the flesh challenging the fruit of THE SPIRIT.

Paul urges us by The Holy Spirit in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5:

14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient (makrothymeō) with all.

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always,

17 pray without ceasing,

18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophecies.

21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We must not allow the works of the flesh to overtake the fruit of THE SPIRIT.  Love is not irritable and impatient but is willing to wait a long time for someone to change.  You must have Agape Love in order to walk in longsuffering toward another.

Paul also wrote in Hebrews chapter 6:

13  For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured (makrothumia), he obtained the promise.

Our soul wants to be impatient thus hindering our fruit from being led by THE SPIRIT.  Let us be known for being longsuffering toward others.  Abraham’s blessings required longsuffering.

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