The Fruits Of The Spirit - Long-Suffering

he fourth fruit produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit when we live in the Spirit's teaching, is "long-suffering." Every Christian should strive to sow to the Spirit, be lead by the Spirit's teaching, and be purged by the Spirit's sword, knowing that these will produce the fruit and "reap life eternal" (Gal.6:8; Rom.8:2,14; Eph.6:17). Since there are the works of the flesh or a sinful life, contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit or a consecrated life, we must realize that it is our decision as to which way of life we choose to follow, and depends on to whom we give our heart; God or Satan (Rom.6:16-18).

The Fruit Of Long-Suffering

Simply defined, long-suffering means that we are to suffer long in enduring our trials, as well as with the suffering of those about us. When we remember the sinful condition before our conversion, and the long suffering shown to us by a merciful God, we desire to be, and produce the fruit of being longsuffering with those who presently are out of Christ. "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Rom.2:4). Paul instructed all Christians to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit "With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph.4:l-6). Because of the long-suffering assistance undeserved, unearned, but graciously received, we suffer long

with the weakness, frailties, and faults of others. For Christ’s sake, we endure our own trials, injuries, and persecutions as faithful soldiers of the cross (IPet.4:16-18). Paul wrote, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (IITim.3:12). But even with this fruit of the Spirit called long-suffering in our life, we are aware that some will persecute us. Jesus said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for Great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matt.5:11-12).

The Spiritual Life Of The Christian

Striving to be a Christian in today's world demands that we follow the Spirit given Word of God, in order to have the spiritual blessings (Eph.l:3; Psa.119:10-11). With the many challenges and pressures of modern life, we will need all of the divine strength and guidance available in order to produce the fruit of the Spirit with success! Let each of us strive to bear the fruit of the Spirit in the vineyard of the Lord (Phil.l:21).

GaryColley
172 Lakeview Dr.
McMinnville, TN 37110