Topic: Longsuffering
Bible Reading: Psalm 120-123; 1 Corinthians 6.
Memory Verse: “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” 1 Corinthians 6:7 (KJV)
Long-suffering means to patiently endure hardship, provocation, or delay without becoming angry or retaliating. Those who are long suffering don’t quickly react with anger or punishment when wronged. Instead, they patiently endure offences, difficult circumstances or delays. It’s a virtue that reflects willingness to bear suffering with a calm, forgiving spirit. This is what is expected of a born again child of God. It is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Apostle Paul exhibited this when he bore those suffering and pains inflicted on him for preaching the gospel and he did not stop, rather, he intensified his missionary work!
But this days, quite a number of Christians are unwilling to be long suffering when offended. This is why most of us run to the police or lawyers when offended. Listen to Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:7 (KJV), “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” Why can’t you suffer the wrong or at best, report the situation to a member of the church or a church leader for intervention and if the wrong remains uncorrected, take it to God. 1 Corinthians 6:3-5 (KJV) says, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? [4] If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. [5] I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?” It is therefore very important that we endure some losses on behalf of our brethren as true children of God.
A few years ago, I and one of my colleagues bought some plots of land from a pastor in the church where I fellowship and having completed the payments we expected delivery of possession but this did not happen. After several years of delay, my colleague felt we should take legal action against the pastor and after much pressure, I yielded as we handed the issue to a Christian lawyer to follow up with him. However the lawyer took the matter to the Police station and told us it may end up in court. I felt uncomfortable as the Spirit reminded me of the word of God quoted above. I instantly asked for the lawyer to follow up with the pastor directly and when that did not yield the desired result, I kept talking to the Pastor directly. Finally, when that didn’t yield any desired result, I reported the matter to a senior pastor who promptly called him to address the issue. While he is still working on it, I felt better that we didn’t drag ourselves to the court and I have decided even if I lose the plots of land which is significant, I will rather forsake that than blatantly go against the word.
What wrongs has been done to you by your fellow believer? Always remember that you can handle that within the church even if it means suffering some losses.
Action Point:
Examine your relationship with other brethren and be ready to endure some suffering for the sake of the gospel.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero