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(these are more directly connected with the work of the Holy Spirit), then come three
more which may be said to spring out of these--the first of which is longsuffering. Not
only do we find love and longsuffering linked in this cluster of spiritual fruits, but in
Eph. 4: 1-3 we find that the exercise of longsuffering is a part of our walk, and also an
important factor in the keeping of the unity of the Spirit.
"Walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, with all humility of mind and
meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
It will be observed that longsuffering is manifested by "forbearing one another in
love." So important is it that we should be made to understand that our walk
demands this exercise of longsuffering, that we meet with a parallel to Eph. 4: 2, 3 in
Col. 1: 10, 11. There, instead of being exhorted to walk worthy of the calling, we are told
that the apostle prayed that we might:--
"Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and
increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to His
glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness."
Longsuffering is twice linked with doctrine in II Timothy, once in Paul's own case,
and once in the charge to Timothy (3: 10 and 4: 2). Such is the character of true
Christian love, after all but a faint echo of that great longsuffering of the love of God
Who is "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." If
only believers everywhere exhibited this precious characteristic, what a difference there
would be. Yet even those who are truly members of the one body need the word of
exhortation. If love suffereth long, should we be so easily annoyed and angered at the
waywardness of our fellows? However great their offence against us our attitude is
clearly defined. We should exhibit all longsuffering in the most aggravating case, or we
have not this grace of love in its highest degree.
One more qualification must be noticed before we leave the consideration of the
longsuffering of love, and that is the kindness which glows through the patience
manifested. Just as Col. 1: teaches us to have longsuffering with joyfulness, so I Cor. 13:
teaches us that love suffereth long and is kind. Love does not suffer long and grumble, or
use hard looks and begrudge the longsuffering. Love suffers long and is kind. Love is
ever ready to meet the offender more than half way. Offended and outraged,
misunderstood and misrepresented, love still has no hard thoughts for those who cause
the pain. Let us examine ourselves before the mirror of the Word. Does the reflection
cause us to fear that we are in danger of exhibiting impatience, our quickness to take
offence, our unwillingness frankly to forgive, let us acknowledge our failure. If we have
manifested longsuffering, yet that precious salve may have sent forth an evil smell
because of the dead fly of unkindness. The Lord is kind unto the unthankful
(Luke 6: 35); He was indeed kind to us (Eph. 2: 7; Titus 3: 4), and should not we,
offenders as all of us are, should not we most earnestly pray that we may have a little
more of the love that suffereth long, and is kind?