The Spirit Of Longsuffering
Galatians 5:22-23
Here in this chapter we are given a couple of options. We can do the works of our flesh or walk in the Spirit.
Mention: Galatians 5:18 “Works” plural, this is the behavior or attitudes of the flesh
Also: Gal. 5:22 “Fruit” singular, this is the act of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s life as they walk in the Spirit.
We have shared what it means to have the Spirit of…
• Love (Without it we are nothing)
• Joy (Not based on what happens, but what has already happened in Christ)
• Peace (Only God gives a peace that passes all understanding)
Here the next of the nine graces of the Fruit of the Spirit is “Longsuffering”
Longsuffering = Forbearance and patience (To put up with or to endure)
Defined: Possessing the power to avenge but refrains from doing so; the ability to endure a massive amount of heat from trials and people without boiling over in anger.
Bible Illustration: when I think of this Spirit of longsuffering, Joseph comes to mind in his dealings with his brothers. He possessed the power to avenge himself, but did not do so.
There are several reasons why we should be longsuffering:
1. Demonstrated By God
See: Psalms 86:15
Mention: Rev. 6:10 Those that were martyr for their faith asked the Lord how long will He avenge their blood
Comment: We say with God one day is as a thousand years and thousand years as one day but we can no way comprehend what that means.
Mention: 2 Peter 3:9, 15 Speaks of the longsuffering of God to us-ward
Point: God we are told was longsuffering in the days of Noah while the ark was be prepared. Ref. 1 Peter 3:20 (He waited for 120 years)
Mention: Romans 3:25 Paul says through the forbearance (longsuffering) of God we were granted the forgiveness of sins.
See: 1 Tim. 1:16 Paul speaks of his experiencing of this longsuffering
2. Displayed By Godly Men And Women
I mention to you how Joseph was longsuffering with his brethren.
See: Matt. 5:11-12 The prophet of old were longsuffering in their persecution from others
See: Hebrews 11:35-37 Consider those that endured such torture, trials and torments.
See: 2 Cor. 6:3-6 Paul’s testimony as a minister of God
Mention: 2 Samuel 16:5-12 David could have had Shemei killed for cursing him
3. Deposited In Us By The Holy Spirit
What we are given by the Spirit of God is the character of God.
Mention: Gal. 2:20 Paul said it is Christ living in me
Comment: Because we are given His Spirit we are also given the ability to also be longsuffering.
Mention: 1 John 2:6 Walk as He walked
See: Col. 1:10-11 According to His glorious power
Story: The wife goes with her husband to his doctor appointment and after it was complete the doctor calls his wife in alone and tells her how she for the next 10 months be very patience with him, fix breakfast every morning, don’t burden him with chores and please do not discuss any problems with him or he could die.
The husband asked the wife what did the doctor say? She said, He said you are going to die!
Comment: This attitude of longsuffering may be the difference of someone perishing or accepting Christ as their Savior.
See: Col. 3:12-13
