What is longsuffering? What does the Bible teach about longsuffering?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Longsuffering is not simply suffering for a long time but is a specific word used in the Bible. That word, combining the Greek words for "long" and "temper," more fully means to be slow to anger, to suffer anger with restraint, or to forbear. God is longsuffering. His holiness demands that everything associated with Him also be holy. However, all people are sinners and deserve His judgment and wrath. At the same time, God is longsuffering, waiting in loving patience for each person to come to Him for salvation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Being slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love is part of God's character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18–20; Psalm 86:15).
• God’s patience does eventually run out, as shown in Genesis 18 and 19 when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah or when He sent Israel into captivity (2 Kings 24:17—25:30).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament also shows us that being slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love is part of God’s character (Romans 2:4; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Peter 3:15).
• Peter writes of God’s longsuffering, translated as patience in the ESV, in 1 Peter 3:20 when he speaks of God waiting patiently in the days of Noah.
• Paul talks about the Thessalonians’ "steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" in 1 Thessalonians 1:3.
• Christians are called to be longsuffering; we can be so by the work of the Holy Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22–23; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 1:11; 3:12). God's longsuffering should be a model for us when people try our patience, treat us wrongly, or cause us to suffer. We can wait, be patient, and repay bad with good.
• Ephesians 4:22–24 tells us "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
• God ultimately shows His patience in the most important of matters—that of waiting for those who do not know Him to come to Him. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
• Second Peter 3:10–13 and Romans 1:18–32 demonstrate that God will not be patient forever.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Being longsuffering with others means choosing patience and perseverance even when circumstances and people challenge us. In our relationships, we’re bound to encounter moments when people test our limits, disappoint us, or act in ways that seem unreasonable. However, just as God is patient with us, so we are called to show that same patience to others, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey. Longsuffering invites us to look beyond our immediate frustrations, seeking to respond with grace instead of anger or resentment. When we choose to respond patiently, we open up opportunities for deeper connection and growth, both for ourselves and for those with whom we interact. Through the Holy Spirit’s strength, we can practice longsuffering as a reflection of God’s love, understanding that this patience can be a powerful witness to His kindness and steadfast love.

UNDERSTAND

• Longsuffering involves being slow to anger and holding back wrath.
• God exemplifies longsuffering—despite humanity's sinfulness, He patiently waits for us to turn to Him.
• Christians are called to bear with others in love and respond to challenges with grace.

REFLECT

• What does practicing longsuffering look like with someone who tests your limits?
• What aspects of God’s longsuffering toward you help you to be more patient with others?
• In which areas of your life do you find it difficult to remain slow to anger? How can you invite God’s strength to grow in this aspect?

ENGAGE

• How does understanding God’s longsuffering nature shape the way we approach difficult or frustrating relationships?
• What impact might practicing longsuffering have on those who witness our patience?
• How does being longsuffering challenge our culture’s perspective on immediate gratification and quick responses?