2 Corinthians 6:6; By Longsuffering

2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

Longsuffering describes the state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavourable circumstances [Friberg Lexicon]. This word means forbearance, self-restraint before proceeding to action. The quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so. Here in this verse, it describes more wholesomeness constraint toward others, a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation. [Louw-Nida Lexicon]

In 1 Peter 3:20, the word described the longsuffering of God in allowing them for Noah to preach the message of repentance before the ark was built. That period was more than a hundred years. However, only Noah and his family of eight were saved – … when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

When the Apostle Paul first went to Corinth, it was the Lord Jesus who calmed his servant’s heart to proclaim the gospel – Acts 18:4-6 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus wasChrist. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.” This was despite opposition and much unbelief – Acts 18:4-6 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

Their patience paid off when later, after the conversion of Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and all his house, the Apostle Paul and Timothy remained in Corinth for one year and six months, winning souls and establishing the first church witness. Thank God for the fruit of longsuffering in the hearts of his servants. Amen.