Longsuffering......

It means to suffer long with someone or with a situation. What a blessing to know that when we are facing difficulties, or dealing with people who are difficult, that we can have from the Lord what is called longsuffering.

In the book of Ps's, David declared concering God ......Ps 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. The word actually, means slow, longwinded, patient. and slow to anger. In other words, being slow to anger and patient is part of God's very nature.

In Galatians, when Paul is talking about the fruit of the Spirit, he says, Ga 5:22* But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

As God's children, we have His nature within us, and the bearing of fruit, which is what He is, is what Jesus said the Lord has called us to do. Be fruitful, bear fruit and so on.

One other very encouraging thing, and I think we forget this so easily, and that is, that we can pray for the Holy Spirit to give us this longsuffering. Paul the apostle did this very thing when he prayed for the Christians in Colosse.

Col 1:11* strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

So, whether is a person, or a situation and circumstance that is a challenge and difficulty for you, God says that He will help you be patient in it, and that He wants to give this longsuffering to you, and to help you. Can I pray for you right now....

Father, I dont's know who may be reading this, but You do. I don't know the exact circumstance in this person's life, but You do. And, I'm simply asking in the name of Jesus for that wonderful and helpful grace of "longsuffering" to be in their lives, to help them in their time of need. And, as a p.s, Lord, I am asking it for myself as well.

Thank You Father, in Jesus name.