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The Fruit of the Spirit 05

​Introduction:

         1. "The fruit of the Spirit" consists of nine special characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
         2. "Longsuffering" is the fourth of these characteristics.
             a. "Longsuffering" sometimes refers to patience, endurance, steadfastness, or perseverance that
                 Christians are to demonstrate while facing affliction (James 5:7-11).
             b. "Longsuffering" also refers to patience or forbearance that Christians are to demonstrate toward
                 those who wrong them (Galatians 5:22).

Discussion:

I.           THE  BIBLE  TEACHES  CHRISTIANS  TO  BE  LONGSUFFERING

         A. Positive instructions are given in:
             1. 1 Corinthians 13:4
             2. Ephesians 4:1-3
             3. Colossians 3:12-14
             4. 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
         B. The opposite of longsuffering [vengeance] is condemned in:
             1. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
             2. Romans 12:17-21.
         C. Although Christians are to be longsuffering, this does not mean that we cannot:
             1. stand against evil (Ephesians 6:11-13; Matthew 21:12-13)
             2. rebuke others when their actions are wrong (Luke 17:3-4; Galatians 2:11-12).

II.          THE  BIBLE  TEACHES  CHRISTIANS  HOW  TO  BE  LONGSUFFERING

         A. Putting off hindrances is necessary (Colossians 3:8).
         B. The instructions given in James 1:19-20 must be followed.
         C. Enemies are to be treated properly (Matthew 5:43-48).
         D. The example of Christ must be followed (1 Peter 2:21-23; Matthew 26:59-68; Luke 23:34).