The Fruit of Patience: Long Suffering

by Daniel Burton

While “patience” is a valid translation of the greek word “μακροθυμία” other translations, in an effort to keep to the other aspects of the meaning, translate the word as “long suffering” which, very clearly, means suffering for a long time. This understanding of the word brings out a deeper meaning of the word “patience” that encompasses the most dreaded part; time. A person does not need patience in order to endure a quick event, rather to have patience a person must endure it over time awaiting the goal in mind. Neither does one need to have patience during pleasant experiences. Patience is not enduring the outpouring of riches, but rather looks ahead to the outpouring of blessings that will one day come. Patience, then, is rooted in the hope of a future and eternal glory that cannot be stripped away. For the Spirit filled Christian, this patience expresses itself by standing strong and enduring through whatever the world has to offer and to set our eyes on the eternal glory that is before us. Patience is not about standing in an effort to achieve greatness but rather understanding that Jesus already has on our behalf.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

– 2 Peter 3:10-13, NIV

The Coming of the End

We know and are assured that one day the end will come. For us, the end will come where we will no longer feel pain, sickness, or even trouble. By the grace of God, we have been forgiven of our sins through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection and ascension into Heaven. Through that one act, our future is secured. Yet, while we know that the end will one day come, we cannot be assured of the day or time. The day of the Lord will come like a thief. From our perspective, it will appear to be unplanned and sudden. Yet, for God, this day will be as planned as every other day and come at precisely the right moment in its intended time. This is why the Spirit filled Christian expresses patience.

As the world continues to descend into chaos, the rescue mission of Jesus Christ to save His people continues through the proclamation of the Gospel in all the ends of the earth. While the supreme act of Jesus Christ as the propitiation of our sins remained final, the word must continue to be preached so that everyone has an opportunity to receive the grace of our Lord. As Christians filled with the Spirit, we have been drafted into the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the world. Furthermore, we proclaim a message the world rejects, trusting the Holy Spirit to move inside of those who hear the message, yet understanding that we will be rejected because of it. Rather than give up or be dismayed, we hold fast to the patience that God has given us in the hope of our secured future. The times will be difficult as the world transitions into the new heaven and new earth. Yet, for the Spirit-filled Christian, we stand in the hope afforded to us by Jesus Christ.

A Godly Patient Life

In understanding the future of our eternal destiny, the immediate question that arises is how we should conduct our lives in the meantime. Scripture answers this question at every turn understanding that, while eternity is secured, we endure it for the sake of others. God directs us on how to conduct ourselves. We are to live Holy and Godly lives. Our very character should reflect the character of Christ as His spirit moves within us and through us. Enduring the suffering this world brings can only be done by the grace and strength of Jesus Christ. Peter makes it abundantly clear that destruction will come by fire, both spiritual and physical. When the end comes, only those who are in Christ will be saved form the fire. This is precisely why we stand in patience as the world throws the worst of its suffering towards us. No suffering now will be worse than the fire and, through our endurance, we provide a sign post to others looking for a Savior.

Live Godly lives as patience people at times will seem like an act of long suffering, yet it is not without purpose. Our actions and our representation of Jesus Christ in the world will bring about the salvation of others. The hand of Christ will move through ours as we stand in long suffering for the sake of saving those with whom we come into contact. This is not to downplay the effects of the suffering but rather to set our attention and focus on something greater. Through the suffering of Christ, the world was given the opportunity to repent of their sins and find forgiveness into eternity. Through our suffering, we display God for the world to receive that hope. We walk in holiness and have patience until that glorious day when we will see our Heavenly Father face to face. To God be the glory, even through the difficulties, with patience and long suffering.