What is Longsuffering?

A bit of bible study…

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Colossians 3:12

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Is Longsuffering a reference to suffering?

Simply, no. Longsuffering is another word for patience, and although waiting and being patient may be difficult and may cause it’s own suffering in a way, it actually is not about suffering at all. It is about having faith and trust and exercising patience in your situation. In the definition of Longsuffering it means to be patient, to be calm and not rash. Keeping calm, centering yourself, attempting to maintain composure and peace through prayer and honoring but checking emotions is all part of the patience of longsuffering.

Thoughts on a few other older words…

Meek means gentle, and Submissive means to trust or allow in a consensual manner. When considering meaning, context and older usage of words in older texts requires understanding through examining what the words are saying not just to you, but why those words were chosen to describe their purpose and intent. It was considered virtuous to be gentle and compassionate in nature, and to be agreeable and considerate (consensual and allowing and trusting). Without meekness and submissiveness neither virtue may be practiced.

Actual suffering is referenced with a promise of restoration and being established.

1 Peter 5:10, NIV: And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10, ESV: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10, KJV: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 5:10, NLT: In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

Brightest Blessings 🌟 

Love, Reverend Priestess Amy Chris of the Covenant Flourish Church 🌸 ⛪️ , the Covenant of Olana 🌙, and the Covenant of Ramiel💜

Psalm means song, particularly a sacred hymn or song.