2. Longsuffering
1 Corinthians 13:4

3. Meaning (Definitions)
Vine
MAKROTHUMIA, “Forebearance, patience, longsuffering. MAKROS, ‘long, THUMOS, ‘temper’
“Longsuffering is that quality of restraint in the face of provocation which does not hastily retaliate or promptly punish; it is the opposite of anger, and is associated with mercy, and is used of God”

4. The Longsuffering Of God
Toward Israel
Willing to forgive, but not unlimited (Num. 14:18; 1 Peter 3:20)
Example: Acts 13:18; Heb. 3:9; 16-19)
Toward man today
Leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4)
Opportunity (2 Peter 3:9)
Intended toward salvation (2 Peter 3:15)

5. Longsuffering Is Required Of Christians
Towards one another (Eph. 4:2)
Helpful in ALL facets of life
Necessary due to diversity of brethren (Rom. 14:1; 15:1)
Inherent in the “Golden Rule” (Matt. 7:12)
I want longsuffering extended to me
I should be willing to extend it to others

6. Preachers are to exercise longsuffering (2 Tim. 4:2)
Not always an easy thing
Always a necessary thing
Developmental (Col. 1:10-11)
Serving as examples (Heb. 6:12)