“strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;”
“Patience” relates to events and circumstances, while “longsuffering” pertains to people.
“and longsuffering with joy”
Patience and longsuffering are often placed together in Scripture (2 Co 6:4,6; 2 Ti 3:10; James 5:10-11). ”Longsuffering” is self-control in the face of provocation from people. Our instinct is to retaliate, whether by act or attitude. To resist is virtue in the face of provocation (1 Co 13:4).
“Longsuffering” means long-temper (Gal. 5:22,23; Col 3:12). A longsuffering person will not rashly retaliate. Can you extend your temper to a great length? Longsuffering is the capacity to suffer a difficult person for a long time. Are you a veteran servant of Christ? Have you been tested and tried so that you can take the heat? Can you take it?
Whereas a lack of “patience” leads to discouragement due to circumstances, a lack of “longsuffering” leads to retaliation or revenge (Prov 15:18; 16:32). “Patience” or endurance means to sustain biblical integrity under the pressure of trial and pertains to hope, while “longsuffering” means to be slow to anger and relates to mercy.
Principle:
“Longsuffering” is to be patient with people.
Application:
A man is as big as the people that annoy him. When criticism comes your way, do you cave in? An occupational hazard of Christian work is criticism. If you cannot take it, you might as well make your reservation for the first flight to the moon!! There is no such thing as life on earth without being criticized, and at times unjustly.
