Long-forbearing, often synonymous with patience and longsuffering, is a virtue highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. It is the ability to endure provocation, delay, or hardship without complaint, exhibiting a calm and steadfast spirit. This quality is frequently attributed to God and is encouraged among believers as a reflection of divine character.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 19:11 : "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." This verse highlights the wisdom inherent in long-forbearing, suggesting that understanding and insight lead to the ability to patiently endure offenses.

2. Exodus 34:6 : "Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: 'The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth.'" Here, God’s long-forbearing nature is revealed as He describes Himself as "slow to anger," emphasizing His patience and mercy.

3. Romans 2:4 : "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" The Apostle Paul underscores the purpose of God’s long-forbearing nature, which is to lead sinners to repentance through His patient endurance.

4. 2 Peter 3:9 : "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage further illustrates God’s long-forbearing as an expression of His desire for all to attain salvation.

Theological Significance:

Long-forbearing is a divine attribute that reflects God’s enduring patience with humanity. It is a testament to His mercy and grace, allowing time for repentance and transformation. In the Old Testament, God’s patience is evident in His dealings with Israel, despite their repeated disobedience. His long-forbearing nature is a central theme in the prophetic writings, where God’s patience is often juxtaposed with His justice.

In the New Testament, believers are called to emulate this divine quality. The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts Christians to exhibit patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Long-forbearing is seen as essential for maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Practical Application:

For Christians, long-forbearing is not merely a passive waiting but an active endurance characterized by love and humility. It involves bearing with one another in love, forgiving as the Lord forgave, and maintaining a spirit of gentleness and self-control. This virtue is crucial in personal relationships, community interactions, and in the face of trials and tribulations.

The cultivation of long-forbearing is a spiritual discipline that requires reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and the example of Christ that believers can grow in this virtue. Jesus Himself is the ultimate model of long-forbearing, enduring the cross and despising its shame for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

In summary, long-forbearing is a reflection of God’s character and a vital aspect of Christian maturity. It is both a gift and a responsibility, enabling believers to reflect God’s love and patience in a world often marked by impatience and intolerance.Long-forbearing (1 Occurrence)

Romans 9:22
And what if God, while choosing to make manifest the terrors of His anger and to show what is possible with Him, has yet borne with long-forbearing patience with the subjects of His anger who stand ready for destruction,
(WEY)

Long-forbearing (1 Occurrence)
Long-forbearing. Longevity, Long-forbearing. Long-haired .
Multi-Version Concordance Long-forbearing (1 Occurrence). ...
/l/long-forbearing.htm - 6k

Longevity

/l/longevity.htm - 9k

Long-haired (1 Occurrence)
Long-haired. Long-forbearing, Long-haired. Longing . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE JPS NAS RSV). Long-forbearing, Long-haired. Longing . Reference Bible
/l/long-haired.htm - 6k

Forbearance (9 Occurrences)
... to him. (WEY RSV). Proverbs 25:15 By longforbearing is a ruler persuaded,
and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (See NAS). Jeremiah ...
/f/forbearance.htm - 10k

Forbearing (10 Occurrences)
... RSV). Proverbs 25:15 By longforbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft
tongue breaketh the bone. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Jeremiah ...
/f/forbearing.htm - 9k

Terrors (21 Occurrences)
... what if God, while choosing to make manifest the terrors of His anger and to show
what is possible with Him, has yet borne with long-forbearing patience with ...
/t/terrors.htm - 12k

Choosing (6 Occurrences)
... what if God, while choosing to make manifest the terrors of His anger and to show
what is possible with Him, has yet borne with long-forbearing patience with ...
/c/choosing.htm - 8k

Subjects (12 Occurrences)
... what if God, while choosing to make manifest the terrors of His anger and to show
what is possible with Him, has yet borne with long-forbearing patience with ...
/s/subjects.htm - 9k

Breaketh (49 Occurrences)
... down. (YLT). Proverbs 25:15 By longforbearing is a prince persuaded, and
a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/b/breaketh.htm - 21k

Borne (172 Occurrences)
... what if God, while choosing to make manifest the terrors of His anger and to show
what is possible with Him, has yet borne with long-forbearing patience with ...
/b/borne.htm - 38k

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