Psalms 86:15
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Longsuffering - "Having or showing patience (through love) in spite of troubles (sin) caused by others".
The Bible teaches us of the longsuffering of God. He is so patient with us. He was patient while we were lost in our sins. In Genesis it shows he was longsuffering while Noah built the ark. In Psalms he was longsuffering with a King who committed adultery.
Notice that the words which accompany longsuffering are: full of compassion, gracious, mercy, truth, and even salvation. Being longsuffering cannot be mixed with words such as: unwilling, hatred, spite, unmerciful or unloving.
Although we are unlovable, God is longsuffering and loves us. Although we are unmerciful to others, God is longsuffering and merciful to us. Although we are unwilling to work with those who totally disregard God, He is longsuffering and willing to work in and through us.
My Lord knows that I myself need daily help with this area of my life. Preachers! People of God! We are told to be longsuffering. Lord, I pray that you help us to be longsuffering.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ephesians 4:2
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Colossians 1:11
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
