MARCH 20, Galatians 5:22; Matthew 5:11-12

Another trait of the fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering. What is longsuffering? It is a wonderful thing and refers to patience with people, forbearance and also slowness to anger. It is to be able to “suffer for a long time”!

Wow, nobody wants to suffer! And who would want to suffer “for a long time”? This verse is not teaching us to look for ways to punish ourselves by suffering. Instead, it is teaching us that there are times when it is necessary for us to be longsuffering, and when that happens, we are to follow God in this respect.

Was God longsuffering? Of course He was! Our God has shown Himself as patient and slow to anger. Here are some examples of His longsuffering:

1. God gave the sign of a __________ (AOIRWBN) that He would not send a flood to destroy the world (Genesis 9:11).

2. He is longsuffering and does not wish that any man to __________ (HIEPRS) (2 Peter 3:9).

In the Sermon of the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

We are put to the test when our patience is tried or when people are unkind to us. Or, when we try to witness for Christ and others laugh at us. That is when our character, especially our longsuffering or patience is tested. Dear child, remember the words of Jesus and do not retaliate. In fact, Jesus teaches that we are to rejoice! That certainly sounds tough. How may we do that? Only through the power of God. No one would be able to rejoice when others persecute or bully them, unless God empowers them.

The next time you are frustrated, or tempted to get angry, remember today’s verse – that an evidence of the Holy Spirit in us is for us to be longsuffering. Do not retaliate. Do not get angry so easily. Do not seek revenge.

Thought: May you be more longsuffering!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when trials come, help me to be patient and to trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.