Text: Galatians 5:22 & Others
The word, "longsuffering," comes from the Greek word, "makrothumia," which means forebearance, patience, longsuffering. It's made up of two words, "makros," meaning long and "thumos," meaning temper.
In Revelation, when it speaks of God's wrath, the word used is, "thumos." So, it's a pretty strong word.
The fruit of the Spirit, longsuffering, is not what we might think it is. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not suffering for a long time, stuffing our emotions down, and not acting on them. The result of this is frustration.
According to Colossians 1:11, true longsuffering is accompanied by joy. The two go together. The word, "longsuffering," actually means: suffering long before you even get to the point of experiencing the emotion of wrath.
How do we come into the true fruit of the Spirit? In Colossians 3:12-13 we're told to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, longsuffering. It takes effort, like putting on our clothes.
I'm a methodical person. The night before, I put out everything I want to wear the next day in a particular spot. It's usually dark when I get up, but I can get dressed with no problem because I know the location of my clothes. My clothes don't jump on me; I have to put them on.
Receiving direction from God and His Word, sticking to the plan He gives us, and adapting ourselves to others will develope the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Don't give up.
Our brand of longsuffering, which ends up in frustration, creates that emotion in others. Positive change won't occur. God's version of longsuffering with joy will bring out commitment to a mentor, dedication to a cause, and endurance to correction.
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