The Fruit of the Holy Spirit- Longsuffering

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23.

Longsuffering:

Read:Galatians 5:22; Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; 1Cor.13:4; 2 Pe.3:9,15.

The definition:- Long-suffering is Love's endurance.
*In the N.T. it is "to endure with unruffled temper". To be long-tempered.

The Characteristics:-
* Love suffers long and is kind.
* Dr.Han said,"When you lose temper, you lose everything."
* Everybody possesses a temper, but the effective leader/christian in reliance upon God, controls his temper.
* It is the partner of patience. Its an antidote to impatience.
* It is a Divine attribute. God's very nature is long-suffering.
* It is expressed in delay in executing wrath: Rom.9:22.
* The purpose-Desire for man's salvation: 2Pe.3:9,15.

Examples:-
* The O.T. Prophets(Patience):James 5:10.
* The O.T.Saints(Patience):Heb.6:12.
* Witnessed in Paul's life: 2Cor.6:6;2Tim.3:10.
* Expressed in Jesus' life:Mt.23:37,17:17;Heb,.12:2. (how often, how long?)
* To be seen in everybody's life: Eph.4:1,2;2Tim.4:2.

The Result:-what you get by having long-suffering?
* To have better things in life:Eccl.7:8,9.
* Gives peace & rest:Ps.37:7.
* Imparts experience:Rom.5:3,4.
* Makes life fruitful:Lk.8:15.
* Helps to achieve goals:Heb.12:1.
* Brings blessing:Heb.10:36.

How to cultivate and practice in the daily life:-
1. Pray for God's might to have it:Col.1:11; Ps.37:7.
2. Have the attitude of guarding the honor of God & ministry:2Cor.6:3,6.
3. Receive by faith and claim it as the elect of od: Col.3:12.
4. Surrender your life to Jesus and allow Him to show(manifest)His longsuffering through you:1Tim.1:16.
5. Do not take revenge quickly:Rom.12:19,17.
6. Forgive often as many times as possible:Mt.18:21,22.
7. Give the other person chances-by accepting:Ac.20:35;Rom.14:1.
8. Be slow to rect in anger:Ja.1:19,20;Eph.4:26;Eccl.7:8,9.
9. Listen to understand: 2Tim.2:7;Prov.2:2.
10. Look for Jesus' second coming:Ja.5:7,8;Rom.8:18.

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;.." 11Cor.4:17.

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