Today as we continue discussing the fruit of the Spirit that should be evident in our lives, the fourth fruit list is that of longsuffering. I have often seen this one use interchangeably with patience; however, the two are actually a bit different. When we are praying for God’s direction and seeking His will and plan for our lives, we may be required to wait patiently for God’s answer. In essence, we are waiting for something good. In contrast, to be longsuffering is to endure through trying times. It may be that we have to put up with persecution or put up with situations that annoy us so that we do not lose our temper and ruin our testimony. To be longsuffering is to endure while being joyful and enjoying the peace that God provides during turbulent times, when we are diligent to bring them before Him (Phil 4:6-7). When we are short in longsuffering, it will determine whether or not we give room for the next fruit, which is kindness. When we fail to lean on the Lord, and endure under His watchful eye, we will have a tendency to lash out at those that attack our faith. Too often I have seen Christians who have equated a “stiff” and “harsh” attitude and response to piety. Sadly, this is the approach they take when dealing with a brother or sister who has stumbled and needs to be encouraged to stay in the fight and reconciled to the Lord (Gal 6:1-5). Many unsaved people are also turned away from the Lord by this attitude, as many are treated with the same standard as if they were a Christian, and this only repels people from Christianity. It is by His goodness and gentleness that the Lord draws others to Himself. It is God’s goodness that leads to repentance (Rom 2:4). If God in dealing with us is slow to anger (Ps 103:8; 145:8), why then do we think that being harsh with others will accomplish God’s righteousness (James 1:19-20)? We may be dealing with that one co-worker that gets on our “last nerve”, but if we are longsuffering and treat them with kindness, rather than getting upset every time we deal with him/her, the Lord can use us to point them to Him (which is what we are called to do). Maybe it is that one Christian that everyone in the congregation tries to avoid because even to other Christians think “they are weird”. Well, we are called to love each other, even as the Lord loves us (John 13:34-35). Next, the fruit of goodness is to be evident in our lives. In other words, we are to always be ready to that which is pleasing before God; in the way we treat others and in the things that we do when no one but God sees it. As we grow in the Lord we should be more concerned with the things that God is concerned with. We are to honest in our dealings with others, and have compassion on those that are hurting and in need. This means that we ought to be always ready to allow God to use us to be a blessing in the life of another, and be willing to use the resources He has supplied to be used by Him to bless others (time, talents, and material resources). In order to do this, it will involve us loving others, giving joyfully, and being at peace with whatever God calls us to do in service to Him. So, as you can see so far, each fruit is connected to the other and works together to help us mature in Christ. Tomorrow, Lord willing, we will continue to see how the last three fruits listed are displayed in our lives, and how they are connected to the six already discussed.
God
showed us His goodness by sending Jesus to die for us while we were still His
enemies (John 3:16; Rom 5:8). His desire is that none would perish, but that
all would be saved (2 Peter 3:9). However, in order to receive eternal life, we
must call on Jesus, by faith, repenting and confessing our sins, and accepting
His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23; 10:13). Would you call on Him today?
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