Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV)
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Let’s be honest, if there is one word many Christians would rather not hear today, it’s the word suffering. Now imagine adding the word “long” before it to create long-suffering. I can guarantee you this is one subject many would rather not hear.
Long-suffering and patience have to do with how we respond when we are mistreated. To put on long-suffering means slowness in avenging wrongs done to you. That does not sound right because our natural tendency is to call down fire from heaven to consume those who have done us wrong, how dare they touch the Lord’s anointed, right?
We forget that God says that vengeance is His, and Jesus demonstrated this for us when he was crucified. He prayed for the very people who were doing Him harm.
Is it no amazing how when we are the ones in the wrong then we expect grace and understanding and while it is someone else then we demand justice and revenge? We are to be patient, bear with one another, and forgive each other. Remember, Jesus told us that if we do not forgive men of their trespasses, then our heavenly father will not forgive us.
Reflections
What’s the longest you have ever had to wait for something or someone?
Do you have someone in your life currently who needs you to extend patience to them? In relation to today’s devotion, how will you handle them?
Do you have anyone that you are struggling to forgive right now? If yes, why?
