With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Eph 4:2

You’ve probably heard the saying “Patience is a virtue.” By the actions of our society, it doesn’t seem to be a virtue that many want to develop. Too often it may be said by some “I’m running out of patience” and “I have no patience for the likes of you.” An ole’ phrase from the past used by dear friends was “suffer me during this time.” Building dependable and reliable relationships had the idea of those who had endured hardship and difficulty together, which seems very different than how relationships are viewed today. It seems that patience has lost its meaning and appeal over time, and few consider patience and longsuffering a virtue worth pursuing. We don’t want to wait, and we certainly don’t want to suffer! The Bible uses the word patience interchangeably with the word longsuffering. The scripture passage instructs us in the manner of Christian love. Christians are to exemplify God’s love to one another. Love is the common bond of Christian relationships, and that bond is forged “with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” God was patient and longsuffering with us “that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). God continues to patiently wait for all humanity and “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth” (1 Tim 2:4). God is longsuffering with His children to grow in the likeness of His Son, forgiving their shortcomings, and chastening them in love. God’s longsuffering includes His forgiveness. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn 1:9). Dear friend, children of God are mirrors of God’s love and longsuffering. We are to show godly patience and mercy to others that mirrors the patience and mercy God has shown to us. We are to bear with others, put up with the mistakes and inconsiderate actions of others, and forgive one another for offenses against us, whether real or imagined. Through God’s grace, we can endure trials and wait patiently and faithfully for His intervention as we “put on…longsuffering, forbearing…and forgiving one another…even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Col 3:12-13). Is there someone who will see God’s love and longsuffering through your actions today? Father, thank You for Your love and longsuffering for me. Help me to be a mirror of Your love and longsuffering to others that Christ will be exalted and glorified. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.