We are called to be a partaker of the Lord’s divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4. Longsuffering is a character quality of Christlikeness. He develops it in us as we go through our fiery trials. It will only be evident in our lives when we walk in the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who produces the fruit of longsuffering to those who submit to His control.

Longsuffering is a language of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love suffers long and is kind…” Are you kind to the unthankful? The Lord is. Luke 6:35 says, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return…For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

Walking in our calling is described for us in Ephesians 4:2. It says, “With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” Colossians 1:11 says that when we walk worthy of the Lord, we will be, “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” Joy is a watermark of an authentic believer.