Long-suffering is patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship. While the definition of longsuffering can be clear, our ability to put it in practice can be a little overwhelming. It’s easy to love someone who shows us love. It’s easy to do for someone who appreciates it. It’s easy to talk to someone who understands. But what about those who are set on being difficult? What about those who intentionally try to work against you? It would be so much easier to just cut our losses and go about our business, headache free. But what if God felt that way about us?
In First Timothy chapter one, Paul made it clear that he thanked God for counting him faithful since he used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man. How many of us used to be something contrary to who we are in Christ now? Wasn’t it God’s grace and mercy that saw past your unclean state to still desire you? We must take a moment to think about all of the ignorant things we did in our unbelief. Not to make us feel sad but to think that the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love. Where would we be if that grace didn’t hold up? Where could we go if His love was only limited to those who could be obedient at all times?
The bible does tell us that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose. (Ecc 3:1) It is only ourselves and God who knows the extent we must go to be longsuffering with those around us. We don’t intend to tell others what to do or how to feel. However, we do want to encourage you during the holiday season: you are not alone. You have the love of Christ encompassing your heart, mind, and soul. For some, the holiday is a time of reunion with loved ones, cheerful laughs and fun. For others, it is an obligation that may feel like unpaid labor. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, we want you to know that you are on our minds and hearts. We want to warn you of the pitfalls of the enemy and make you aware that satan is not above using your loved ones to deter you on your walk with God. Do not allow the enemy to play on your emotions and build false tales in your mind. Stand on the fact that you are a child of God.
No matter what takes place this holiday season, make sure to lock in to the mission at hand. If you have been walking this journey with God also remember that those closest to you may not be experiencing God like you. They may not have experienced a clear understanding of walking righteously. If they get no other view of who God truly is, let it be through you. We must show them the standard of Christianity because that is part of our job as Christians. In Galatians 5:22, it talks about long-suffering being one of the fruits of the Spirit. Verse 25 makes it plain that if we live in the Spirit we must also walk in the Spirit. Meaning, we can’t just claim to be long-suffering, we must also put it into practice. It won’t necessarily be easy but if it’s of God it will be worth it. This holiday season stay prepared by continuing to pray. We love you and Happy Thanksgiving!
In your personal time, check out a few more scriptures on long-suffering:
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Galatians 5:22-25
Colossians 3:12
Dear reader, we would like to leave you with a prayer:
Father God, we thank You for this holiday season and the abundance You have given us. We are honored to be counted as Your children. We ask that You continue to hear Your children as we pray to You. We ask Father, that You bless those who are having a hard time this holiday season. Wrap Your loving arms around them and push them closer to You. We rebuke the enemy and all of his negativity. Satan, you shall not be a hindrance to the lives of the saints and we send you back to hell where you belong. God, we praise You for Your tender love and care. We bless Your Holy name. We give You glory, Father and thank You for never leaving us alone. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen!
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