E33 - Hope’s Harbor Gritty Bible Devotions - Longsuffering (w/ Patience)
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 supernatural way of living that we cannot have on a meaningful level.
Sure, we can practice being patient and we should. But this practice must be an outcome of our time in prayer asking Jesus to allow His grace to be the all-sufficient power and strength it takes to live as He lived. Being kind and patient with those around Him.
Even then, the Son of GOD sometimes became exasperated with those who chose to follow Him. He would ask, “How long will I put up with you?” (Matthew 17:17/ John 14:9)
That’s saying a lot if you can exasperate the very Almighty GOD, Jesus.
But guess what? I’ve done that very thing…I’m certain. You would agree if you knew how stubborn I am.
When I make the effort, after praying, to be patient, the results are at times surprising. One particular time after committing to patience I got tested by a slow-moving train blocking my way. I became angry because I knew it was going to cause me to be late for an appointment, even though I left early for just such a contingency. (I despise being late.)
I put the motorcycle I was riding, on the kickstand and steamed. Then remembered my commitment to be patient that day. I took a deep breath, said “Okay,” to GOD and sat there. I was surprised that being patient caused a measure of peace.
I always associated patience with frustration. But no. I had peace.
What about you? Is your family walking around fearful of your impatient backlash? The reason I ask are several, but one reason is to warn you.
I cause my wife and children, during my first marriage to live in dread, dreading my anger outbursts stemming from my impatience with them. It was the leading cause in the end it was my first marriage. Causing such dread over the years got me kicked to the curb after 30 years of marriage.
Besides, don’t we all want others to patient with us? Is this what Jesus meant in Matthew 7:12 & Luke 6:31 paraphrased here: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
(Luke 6:31- “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”)
Summary: Longsuffering is a GOD given gift to all who chose to participate, to all who chose to practice this trait, this virtue.
The practice of it will change your life, and not only your life but also the lives of those you care enough about to become a patient person.
Action to consider: If you are impatient, you will only change to becoming patient with practice. It will not crawl up onto your lap like a kitten no matter how much you pray for it, if you’re not willing to make the effort to change. To help with making patience a practice, write this or something like in on a 3x5 card: Am I being patient?
Next week’s devotion: Kindness – The likeness of GOD