Galatians 5:22-23 tells us about the fruit which is cultivated in the life of those who are trusting Christ. Nine aspects of the fruit-bearing life are mentioned by Paul. The fourth one he speaks of is “longsuffering.” Longsuffering is simply an older word meaning patience.
Longsuffering, translated from the Greek word, makrothumio (literally, long temper), is steadfastness in obedience to God despite pressure to deny Him. The New Bible Dictionary says that patience is “God given restraint in face of opposition or oppression.” It does not surrender to circumstances. Here we can see the relationship of the different aspects of the fruit by noting that where love, joy, and peace are lacking, it is not difficult to explode in impatience.
The New Testament kind of patience is not to be confused with simple endurance. When trouble strikes, some folks are too lazy to react, others are too proud, some may be insensitive, or some even weigh the long-term advantage over short-term pain. Real longsuffering depends on our knowledge of God end His plan, our faith that He is at work in human affairs, and on our hope in all that God is doing and shall do.
Some examples of patience are the farmer (James 5:7). He cannot hurry the harvest, but rather he must wait for the crop to mature. We, too, must wait on God’s time. Then there are the prophets who suffered for their godly living and fearless preaching; end Job, who did not see the actions behind his circumstances (James 5:10-11). David refused to kill King Saul, knowing that God had things well in hand. These all discovered patience.
Christians develop longsuffering through experiencing trouble (Romans 5:3). Challenges come to each person. Yet patience comes through realizing that the situation is not all that bad. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God gives us grace and strength to meet each situation as it comes. We know too that help does come (2 Timothy 4:16-18). As God stood with and strengthened Paul, He also stands with us, and will ultimately bring us safely home to Glory.
Jesus Christ is our perfect example of patience. He trusted the Father’s timetable of events, he was patient even with those who afflicted him, and he was ever so patient with others’ weaknesses. Jesus reflected the Father’s patience with all humanity, as shown in His longsuffering with Cain, the world before the Flood, Israel’s misdeeds, and the delay before the Second Coming and the final judgment.