Longsuffering in the Bible – The Bible is full of examples of people who displayed longsuffering. This quality is often praised, and it is something that we should all aspire to have. In this blog post, we will explore three examples of longsuffering in the Bible. We will look at what these individuals did to display this virtue, and we will see how it can benefit us in our own lives. Here are 10 Examples of Long Suffering in the Bible. In Both the Old Testament and the New Testament. From the Holy Spirit, The Apostle Paul, and Christ Jesus, are many good examples.
Table of Contents
10 Examples of Long Suffering in the Bible
1. Job (Job 2:10)
2. Paul (2 Corinthians 6:4-5)
3. The Israelites (Exodus 34:6)
4. David (Psalm 86:15)
5. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:10)
6. The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)
7. Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-11)
8. Jesus (Matthew 26:39)
9. Stephen (Acts 7:60)
10. The early church martyrs (Revelation 2:10, 3:9)
What Is the Biblical Definition of Long Suffering?
The biblical definition of longsuffering is the quality of being patient under provocation or affliction. It is the ability to endure trials and hardships without becoming angry or bitter. Longsuffering is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is listed alongside such virtues as love, joy, peace, and patience.
Those who are longsuffering (meaning long time) are more likely to be forgiving and compassionate. They are able to maintain their composure in difficult situations and respond with grace instead of anger. Longsuffering is a vital part of the Christian character, and it is one of the things that makes us different from the world.
Job (Job 2:10)
Job’s friends came to Job shortly after they heard of all his afflictions. They were greatly disturbed by what had happened and wished to comfort him. However, when they saw him, they were so shocked by his appearance that they could not speak.
For seven days and seven nights, they sat with Job in silence, mourning his misfortune. Finally, Job broke the silence, cursing the day he was born. His friends responded by trying to rationalize his suffering, arguing that he must have sinned to deserve such punishment.
This only made Job more angry, and he insisted that he was a righteous man who had been dealt a cruel hand by fate. In the end, Job’s friends were unable to offer him any consolation, and they left him to his misery.
Throughout this ordeal, Job displayed great patience and endurance. He did not lash out at his friends despite their hurtful words, and he continued to maintain his innocence despite their accusations. This showed true strength of character, and it is an example that we can all learn from. no matter how difficult our circumstances may be.
Job 2:1-10 gives us a window into how Job displayed long-suffering patient endurance in the midst of his trials. Satan had just been permitted by God to strike Job with physical boils from head to toe.
When we read about how Job responded, we see a man who responded with respect and reverence for God, even though he did not know why he was going through such intense suffering. In the midst of his pain, Job continued to worship and praise God.
He did not curse God or question His goodness, even though Satan had told him that God was only permitting his sufferings because He loved Job and wanted to test him. Instead, Job chose to trust in God’s goodness and character, knowing that He is sovereign over all things.
This display of faith in the midst of great pain is a beautiful example of how job endured through his trials with long-suffering patient endurance. It is an encouragement to us that, no matter what we are going through, we can choose to trust in God’s goodness and character, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
Paul (2 Corinthians 6:4-5)
In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5, Paul writes about how he and his companions have experienced “afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger,” and more. He goes on to say that they have been “treated like the scum of the earth” and that they have “endured everything” for the sake of the gospel. Our beloved brother Paul siad not to count slowness as a part of God as something negative. It is one of the fruits of the spirit. Just as the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, God’s promises will not fail.
This passage provides a clear example of Paul’s long-suffering. Despite all of the challenges and hardships he faced, Paul persevered in his ministry. He was beaten and imprisoned, but he continued to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. He was willing to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel, and his endurance is an inspiration to all who follow Christ. As with Paul the longsuffering person follows God’s longsuffering as we as human beings, put the love of money, and the works of the flesh aside and look to the good answer of the kingdom of God.
The Israelites (Exodus 34:6)
The Israelites were a nation that was brought out of slavery in Egypt through miraculous acts of God. For forty years they were led by Moses through the desert to the Promised Land. Along the way, they were tested time and time again.
They faced hunger, thirst, and weariness. They doubted God’s plan for them and grumbled against Moses’ leadership. Yet, through it all, they persevered. They showed long-suffering, or patient endurance, trusting that God would ultimately lead them to a better place. In Exodus 34:6, God describes himself as “a God who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
This is how he treated the Israelites, even when they failed to live up to his standards. He was patient with them, feeling compassion for their weakness and human frailty. As a result, they were able to reach the Promised Land and begin a new chapter in their history.
David (Psalm 86:15)
Theologians and Bible scholars agree that the world was created perfect, without flaw. But that changed when Adam and Eve sinned against God and introduced death, suffering, and evil into the world. From that moment on, creation has been groaning, waiting for the day when God will make all things new. In the meantime, God’s people are called to display long-suffering—patient endurance—as they wait for Christ’s return.
David was a man who knew suffering. He was pursued by Saul, his own son plotted against him, and he faced many trials and difficulties throughout his life.
Yet David never lost hope. He continued to trust in God’s goodness and mercy, even when things were at their darkest. As a result, David was able to display long-suffering in the midst of his trials.
Like David, we too are called to display long-suffering as we wait for Christ’s return. We live in a fallen world filled with pain and suffering, but we know that one day all things will be made new. In the meantime, let us follow David’s example and trust in God’s goodness, even in the darkest of times.
Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:10)
Jeremiah was a prophet who was called by God to proclaim His message to the people of Judah. At first, they listened to him and heeded his warnings. But as time went on, they became more and more resistant to what he had to say.
They turned away from God and refused to listen to His prophets anymore. This caused great anguish for Jeremiah, but he continued to faithfully proclaim God’s message regardless of how the people responded. In Jeremiah 15:10, we see an example of his long-suffering endurance. Even though the people had turned away from God and were no longer listening to him, Jeremiah continued to speak out boldly and fearlessly.
He did not give up, even though it would have been easy to do so. This showed great perseverance and commitment on his part. It is an encouragement to us to never give up, even when things are difficult. We can trust that God will be with us and give us the strength we need to persevere.
For us today we should like Jeremiah be patient and continue to reach out to the lost and those who have walked away from God. We should never give up hope that they will return to Him.
As Christians, we are called to display long-suffering in our lives. This means patiently enduring difficult situations and trials, even when it would be easy to give up.
It also means continuing to reach out to those who have turned away from God, even when they seem hopeless. We can take comfort in knowing that we serve a God who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. He will give us the strength we need to persevere through anything.
The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)
In the story of The widow of Zarephath, we see a perfect example of long-suffering – patient endurance. The widow was living in a time of severe drought and famine, yet she continued to show faith in God.
When the prophet Elijah came to her, she willingly gave him the last of her food and water, even though she knew that it would put her own life at risk. This act of selflessness is a powerful testimony to the strength of her faith. Despite the difficult circumstances she was facing, she remained obedient to God and did not give up hope.
As a result, God blessed her with a miracle: her food and water did not run out, and she was able to provide for herself and Elijah throughout the entire drought. This story is a reminder that, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we should never lose faith in God’s ability to provide for us.
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-11)
Hannah displayed long-suffering when she was ridiculed by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah. Even though she was dealing with a difficult situation, Hannah did not lose her patience or endurance. Instead, she persevered and continued to pray for a child.
Her faith was eventually rewarded, and she gave birth to Samuel. This story is a reminder that we can all display long-suffering in our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. By remaining patient and continuing to trust in God, we can overcome any obstacle.
Even though Hannah was facing great difficulty, she continued to trust in the Lord. She was sorely distressed and prayed earnestly to the Lord. Her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and rebuked her.
How patient Hannah was! She kept praying even when she was misunderstood and falsely accused. She did not give up or become discouraged. Her faith and hope were in God, not in people. And because she persevered, her prayers were answered and she became pregnant with Samuel, who would grow up to be a great prophet of Israel. Because of Hannah’s long-suffering patience, she received God’s blessing.
Jesus (Matthew 26:39)
When we think about the long-suffering of Jesus, the first thing that probably comes to mind is his willingness to go to the cross for our sins. But there are other examples of his long-suffering throughout scripture. For instance, in Matthew 26:39 we see that Jesus was willing to endure the suffering of being crucified because he knew it was God’s will. First Jesus Christ following the Lord God Helping us to weather Momentary troubles for the hope of Eternal Glory.
Even though he was in anguish and begged for another way, he submitted to God’s plan. This shows us that Jesus was not only long-suffering in his death, but also in his life. He was always obedient to God, even when it was difficult, and he never gave up or turned away from him.
Because of this, we can trust that Jesus knows what it means to suffer and that he is with us when we go through our own trials. If we follow his example, we can also display long-suffering in our lives.
When we study the life of Jesus, we see many examples of His long-suffering nature. In Matthew 26:39, we see that even in the face of great trials and suffering, Jesus was willing to endure patiently. He could have called down legions of angels to rescue Him, but He chose instead to suffer and die for our sins.
This act of selfless love shows us the true nature of Jesus Christ – He is a God who is willing to endure great hardship and suffering for our sake. When we are faced with trials and temptations, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands our situation and is willing to help us through it.
By keeping our eyes on Him, we can learn to “run with endurance the race that is set before” (Hebrews 12:1) us and receive the prize of eternal life.
Jesus displays long-suffering in the scriptures when he is in the garden of Gethsemane praying and his disciples can’t stay awake (Matthew 26:39). He suffers because he knows what is coming and he endures it.
He also shows long-suffering when he is on the cross and asks for forgiveness for those who are crucifying him (Luke 23:34). Jesus taught us that we need to be long-suffering with others, even when they don’t deserve it (Ephesians 4:2). When we are long-suffering, we are patient and endure through difficult situations. We see an example of this in Jesus’ life and we are called to follow his example.
Stephen (Acts 7:60)
According to the definition found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, long-suffering is bearing injuries or misfortunes patiently. In the Bible, we see many examples of people who displayed long-suffering. One example is Stephen in the book of Acts. In Acts 7:60, we read that Stephen was being stoned to death for his testimony about Jesus.
Even though he was in pain and facing certain death, Stephen prayed for those who were killing him. He showed great patience and endurance in the face of adversity. This act of long-suffering is just one example of how Stephen remained faithful to God even in the midst of great trials.
As Christians, we are called to follow Stephen’s example and remain patient and enduring when faced with difficult situations. By doing so, we can glorify God and show His love to others.
Stephen’s long-suffering Endurance was put on full display when he was being stoned to death. He could have easily given into the crowd’s demands and renounced his faith, but instead, he chose to endure the pain and suffering. He even prayed for his persecutors, asking God to forgive them. This act of forgiveness is a true demonstration of Stephen’s character and his commitment to his faith. His endurance in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us all.
The early church martyrs (Revelation 2:10, 3:9)
The early church martyrs were incredibly patient in the face of persecution. Despite being tortured and killed for their beliefs, they refused to renounce their faith. In Revelation 2:10, the author describes how the early Christians endured great suffering for their faith.
They were patient in the face of persecution, and this ultimately led to their triumph. In Revelation 3:9, the author describes how the early Christians refused to give in to the demands of their persecutors. Even in the face of death, they remained steadfast in their beliefs. The early church martyrs displayed an admirable level of long-suffering endurance, and their example continues to inspire Christians today.
Why is Long Suffering in the Bible Important
Long-suffering is a term often used in the Bible to describe God’s patient endurance and forbearance towards humanity. It is a quality that is highly valued in the Christian faith and has several important applications in the lives of believers. In this article, we will explore the meaning of long-suffering, its importance in the Bible, and how we can cultivate this quality in our lives as Christians.
Definition of Long-Suffering
Long-suffering is often defined as the patient endurance of difficult or trying circumstances. In the Bible, it is used to describe God’s patience with humanity and his willingness to withhold judgment in the face of human sin and rebellion. Examples of long-suffering in the Bible include God’s patience with the Israelites during their years of wandering in the wilderness, as well as his patience with individuals such as Job and Jonah.
Long-Suffering as a Fruit of the Spirit
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul writes about the Fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Long-suffering is often considered to be a subset of patience and is an essential component of the Fruit of the Spirit. Demonstrating long-suffering towards others is a sign of spiritual maturity and allows us to better reflect the character of Christ to the world.
Long-Suffering in Relationships
Long-suffering is an essential quality in maintaining healthy relationships. It allows us to forgive others when they have wronged us and to extend grace and mercy when it is not deserved. Examples of long-suffering in relationships in the Bible include Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers for selling him into slavery and David’s relationship with King Saul, who repeatedly sought to kill him. Cultivating long-suffering in our relationships requires us to let go of bitterness and resentment and to choose to extend love and grace to others even when they have hurt us.
Long-Suffering in Trials and Tribulations
Long-suffering is also an essential quality in facing trials and tribulations. It allows us to endure difficult circumstances with faith and perseverance
Long-Suffering in Trials and Tribulations
Long-suffering is also an essential quality in facing trials and tribulations. It allows us to endure difficult circumstances with faith and perseverance. The Bible is full of examples of individuals who demonstrated long-suffering in the face of adversity, such as Job, who remained faithful to God despite losing everything he had, and Paul, who endured beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks for the sake of the Gospel. Cultivating long-suffering in our own lives requires us to trust in God’s sovereignty and to remember that our present sufferings are temporary and will one day be replaced with eternal joy.
God’s Long-Suffering towards Humanity
Perhaps the most significant example of long-suffering in the Bible is God’s patient endurance towards humanity. Despite our repeated rebellion and sin, God continues to extend his grace and mercy to us. The Old Testament is full of examples of God’s long-suffering, such as his patience with the Israelites during their years of rebellion and his willingness to spare Nineveh from destruction when they repented at the preaching of Jonah. In the New Testament, we see the ultimate expression of God’s long-suffering in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world so that we might be reconciled to God.
The implications of God’s long-suffering for Christians are profound. It reminds us that God’s love and mercy are available to us no matter how far we have strayed from him. It also challenges us to extend that same love and mercy to others, even when they have wronged us. As the Apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Long Suffering Bible Verse
One of the most commonly cited Bible verses related to the concept of long-suffering or patience is from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
In the King James Version, it begins with “Charity suffereth long, and is kind…” The word “charity” in the KJV is often interpreted as “love” in modern translations. The term “suffereth long” is synonymous with long-suffering or enduring patience.
This verse is frequently cited because it encapsulates the essence of what it means to be long-suffering — enduring challenges, setbacks, or difficulties with a sense of grace and patience, often out of love for others or obedience to God. It is part of the “love chapter,” which is often read at weddings and other occasions to highlight the virtuous qualities of love, one of which is long-suffering or patience
Long Suffering in the Bible KJV
Long-suffering, often referred to as patience or endurance in the Bible, is a virtue that’s emphasized throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Here’s a list of Bible verses from the King James Version (KJV) that highlight the concept of long-suffering:
- Exodus 34:6 (KJV): “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”
- Numbers 14:18 (KJV): “The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.”
- 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
- 1 Timothy 1:16 (KJV): “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
- 2 Corinthians 6:6 (KJV): “By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned.”
- Colossians 3:12 (KJV): “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”
- Galatians 5:22 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”
- Ephesians 4:2 (KJV): “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”
- James 5:10-11 (KJV): “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
- Romans 2:4 (KJV): “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
These Bible verses emphasize the importance of long-suffering as a characteristic of God’s nature and as a virtue that believers should cultivate in their own lives, showing patience and endurance in the face of trials and challenges.
FAQs
What is the difference between long-suffering and patience?
Long-suffering is a specific type of patience that emphasizes endurance in the face of difficult circumstances or people.
Can long-suffering be demonstrated without faith in God?
Yes, long-suffering can be demonstrated by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. However, for Christians, long-suffering is rooted in our relationship with God and our desire to reflect his character to the world.
How can I cultivate long-suffering in my own life?
Cultivating long-suffering requires us to let go of bitterness and resentment, to choose to extend grace and mercy to others, and to trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness.
Is long-suffering the same as martyrdom?
No, long-suffering is not the same as martyrdom, which involves willingly giving one’s life for a cause or belief.
Why is long-suffering important in relationships?
Long-suffering allows us to forgive others when they have wronged us and to extend grace and mercy when it is not deserved, which is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
Best Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Below is a table featuring some highly regarded Bible Encyclopedias and Dictionaries along with their publishers and websites where they can be found or purchased.
| Title | Publisher | Website |
|---|---|---|
| The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia | Eerdmans | Eerdmans |
| Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary | Zondervan | Zondervan |
| Easton’s Bible Dictionary | Thomas Nelson | Thomas Nelson |
| Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary | B&H Publishing Group | B&H Publishing Group |
| The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary | Moody Publishers | Moody Publishers |
| HarperCollins Bible Dictionary | HarperOne | HarperOne |
| Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words | Thomas Nelson | Thomas Nelson |
You can generally find these resources on the publishers’ websites, as well as other online book retailers such as Amazon or Christianbook. It’s always good practice to confirm availability and review additional details on the specific websites or other reliable online bookstores.
Final Thoughts – Examples of Long Suffering in the Bible
In conclusion, long-suffering is an important virtue that Christians are called to display. We see examples of long-suffering in the lives of Jesus Christ, Stephen, and the early church martyrs. They all endured great suffering for their faith, but they remained patient and steadfast. Their examples inspire us to follow their example and display long-suffering in our own lives. When we do so, we glorify God and show His love to others.
Long-suffering is an essential quality in the Christian faith with several important applications in our lives. It allows us to reflect the character of Christ to the world, maintain healthy relationships, endure trials and tribulations, and appreciate the extent of God’s love and mercy towards us. As we seek to cultivate long-suffering in our own lives, let us remember the ultimate expression of long-suffering in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and extend that same love and mercy to others.
God Bless Greg
