The concept of Long-suffering in Christianity
Long-suffering in Christianity embodies the spirit of patient endurance and tolerance, particularly towards those who cause harm or act as adversaries. It reflects God's divine mercy and patience with humanity's sins, allowing time for repentance. This quality is demonstrated through Christ's unwavering compassion and the endurance shown by figures like Moses amidst trials. Long-suffering is emphasized as a fundamental virtue in Christian teachings, highlighting an expectation for believers to embody this patience and resilience in their own lives.
Synonyms: Patient, Tolerant, Resigned, Steadfast, Persevering, Stoic, Resilient, Suffering
In Dutch: Lankmoedig; In Finnish: ±Ê¾±³Ù°ìä³¾¾±±ð±ô¾±²Ô±ð²Ô; In Spanish: Longevidad; In German: ³¢²¹²Ô²µ³¾Ã¼³Ù¾±²µ; In Malay: Bersabar; In Swedish: °ÕÃ¥±ô²¹³¾´Ç»å; In Spanish: Longanimidad; In French: Longanime
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Long-suffering'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This phrase refers to the endurance Joseph demonstrated in his actions, and is a quality that God loves.[1] (2) The term describes a quality, implying the capacity to endure and remain patient towards everyone, suggesting an attribute of forbearance and tolerance.[2] (3) The Lord exhibits this characteristic, not diminishing the individual who speaks ignorantly, but rather responding with a gentle demeanor.[3] (4) Long-suffering is one of the ways the Gnostic becomes assimilated to the goodness of God’s providence, and it is also done through forgiveness.[4] (5) This refers to the patience and forbearance of God, as evidenced during the time of Noah, when the ark was being prepared, connecting to the preaching to the spirits in prison.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This describes the attitude of patient endurance towards those who inflict injury or act as enemies, and is a manifestation of the spiritual life towards others.[6] (2) Long-suffering is used to describe the love that submitted to indignities, referring to Jesus's response to the events.[7] (3) The text mentions that the recurrence of 'Ye have not returned unto Me!' speaks of this which multiplied means as others failed, and of the divine charity, which 'suffered long, was not soon angry, and hoped all things!'[8] (4) The text highlights a quality, illustrating the possibility for protection and mercy, even in difficult circumstances.[9] (5) Refers to patience and endurance in love, especially in the context of Christ's continual presence and support despite human rejection.[10]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) A characteristic of patience and endurance, particularly relating to a deity that remains compassionate despite human failings.[11]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) A characteristic of Moses that allowed him to endure provocation and trials from the people he led.[12]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) God's characteristic of being patient and extending grace before administering judgment.[13] (2) A dimension of God’s goodness where He shows patience and forbearance toward those who provoke or offend Him.[14] (3) God's patience and tolerance extended to individuals despite their wrongdoing.[15]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The quality of being patient and enduring, suggested as a virtue for the King.[16]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The endurance of difficulties without distress, especially concerning the delay of good.[17]
Gnostic concept of 'Long-suffering'
From: Pistis Sophia
(1) Refers to God's patience and tolerance, highlighting His willingness to refrain from immediate judgment or wrath.[18] (2) The quality of the Light, indicating its patience and support for Pistis Sophia before taking action.[19]
The concept of Long-suffering in local and regional sources
Long-suffering, as referenced in the text, signifies patience and endurance that Queen Ethelberg is urged to seek from Divine Mercy, and also emphasizes a heavenly quality that bestows God's gifts upon King Edwin.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A description of the enduring pain and struggles of humanity under oppression before the emergence of great leaders.[20] (2) A characteristic attributed to God, suggesting patience and endurance despite human flaws.[21]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The long-suffering is mentioned as something that Queen Ethelberg should beg for, from the Divine Mercy, implying a quality of patience and endurance.[22] (2) The long-suffering is of Heaven, through which the wonderful gift of God will be conferred upon Edwin, the king.[23]