Attributes of God on F.I.R.E.Sample

How can we imitate the attribute of Longsuffering?

To be longsuffering is a characteristic of love. Paul describes biblical love in 1 Corinthians 13 in the context of spiritual gifts: since love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8) and remains even after spiritual gifts depart (1 Corinthians 13:13), then to be longsuffering has eternal value.

The communicable attribute of being longsuffering toward others is produced by the Holy Spirit. Children of God are to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and to be “led by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:18). Galatians 5:22–23 gives us the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Clearly longsuffering derives from the Holy Spirit.

In writing to the church as Ephesus, the apostle Paul makes the exhortation “to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering” (Ephesians 4:1-2). “Longsuffering” advances the cause of unity in the church for we were “called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:2–6). As the Father, Son, and Spirit are one, the body of Christ (the church) is to function with a great deal of unity that derives from walking with the Lord. Let’s imitate Jesus who daily manifested a spirit of longsuffering to others, and we will be promoting oneness in His church.

Being longsuffering toward others produces fruit in our lives. In Hebrews 6:9–15 longsuffering is translated as “patience” (Hebrews 6:12) and “patiently endured” (Hebrews 6:15). Abraham becomes the father of faith because “he did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). First, through his longsuffering he had biological fruit (Isaac), a countless number of physical descendants (Israel), but also spiritual fruit (as the forefather of Jesus) by believing Jews and Gentiles alike for thousands of years.

Persistence in faithful service to the Lord for length of days will generate a fruitful time on earth and everlasting rewards to follow.

Employment Point: Be longsuffering towards others.