No one enjoys suffering.
Pain, hardship, and trials make life difficult, and most people do everything they can to avoid them.
But the Bible speaks often about something called “long-suffering.”
This is not just ordinary suffering—it is patience and endurance in the face of trouble.
It is the ability to trust God even when life feels unfair.
Long-suffering is not about giving up or losing hope.
It is about holding on, staying faithful, and waiting on God’s timing.
The Bible shows us that long-suffering is not only important—it is necessary for spiritual growth.
What Is Long-Suffering in the Bible?
Long-suffering is a word used in the Bible to describe patience through difficult times.
It means to endure hardship without complaining.
It means to trust God even when things don’t make sense.
The word “long-suffering” comes from two ideas: “long” (lasting for a while) and “suffering” (going through pain or trials).
Together, it means enduring pain, difficulties, or even injustice with a heart full of faith.
The Bible often pairs long-suffering with kindness and forgiveness.
Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
In some translations, the word “patience” is written as “long-suffering.”
This shows that true patience is not just about waiting—it is about enduring with love.
God’s Long-Suffering Toward Humanity
Before we talk about how people should be long-suffering, it is important to understand that God Himself is long-suffering.
Throughout the Bible, God shows incredible patience with His people.
Even when they disobey, rebel, and turn away from Him, He does not immediately destroy them.
Instead, He gives them chance after chance to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
God’s long-suffering is an act of love.
He does not rush to punish people for their sins.
He waits, giving them time to turn back to Him.
If God was not long-suffering, none of us would have a chance at salvation.
But because of His patience, we have the opportunity to accept His grace.
Long-Suffering in the Life of Jesus
Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated long-suffering in His time on earth.
He was patient with His disciples, even when they doubted Him or failed to understand His teachings.
He endured rejection from His own people.
He suffered betrayal, humiliation, and a painful death on the cross.
Yet, He never lost faith.
He never stopped loving.
Even as He was dying, He prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
This is the ultimate example of long-suffering.
Jesus endured pain, rejection, and injustice, yet He responded with love.
He showed that long-suffering is not just about enduring trials—it is about maintaining a heart of forgiveness and compassion in the middle of suffering.
Long-Suffering as a Fruit of the Spirit
Long-suffering is not something people can achieve on their own.
It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
The word “forbearance” in many translations is “long-suffering.”
This means that long-suffering is a sign that the Holy Spirit is working in a believer’s life.
It is not a natural human response.
Most people respond to suffering with anger, frustration, or despair.
But when someone has the Holy Spirit, they can endure trials with patience, knowing that God is in control.
This kind of endurance is only possible through faith.
Why Does God Allow Long-Suffering?
One of the hardest questions people ask is, “Why does God allow suffering?”
If He loves us, why doesn’t He remove our pain immediately?
The Bible gives several reasons why God allows long-suffering.
First, suffering builds character.
Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Through suffering, people develop strength, endurance, and faith.
Second, suffering draws people closer to God.
When life is easy, people often forget their need for Him.
But in hardship, they turn to Him for help.
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Third, suffering allows believers to share in Christ’s sufferings.
Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
By enduring hardship with faith, believers grow to be more like Jesus.
Finally, suffering allows people to be a testimony to others.
When believers remain faithful in trials, they show others the power of God.
Their endurance can inspire others to trust in Him.
How to Develop Long-Suffering
Developing long-suffering is not easy.
It requires trust in God, a strong faith, and a heart that refuses to give up.
One way to develop long-suffering is through prayer.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
When facing trials, ask God for strength, patience, and wisdom to endure.
Another way to grow in long-suffering is by remembering God’s promises.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Even when suffering does not make sense, trust that God is using it for good.
Long-suffering also grows through fellowship with other believers.
Encouragement from fellow Christians can strengthen endurance.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Finally, keeping an eternal perspective helps.
2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
No suffering lasts forever.
Eternal joy with Christ is the final reward.
The Reward for Long-Suffering
The Bible promises that those who endure with faith will be rewarded.
James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
God sees every tear, every struggle, and every act of faith.
He promises that those who endure will be blessed beyond what they can imagine.
Revelation 21:4 gives a final picture of what awaits those who have suffered in faith:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
In heaven, long-suffering will be replaced with eternal joy.
Final Thoughts
Long-suffering is not easy, but it is necessary for spiritual growth.
The Bible shows that God is long-suffering with humanity, that Jesus demonstrated perfect patience, and that believers are called to endure trials with faith.
Suffering is not pointless.
It builds character, deepens faith, and brings believers closer to God.
With the Holy Spirit’s help, Christians can develop long-suffering and trust that God is working in their struggles.
One day, all suffering will end, and those who have endured will be rewarded with eternal peace and joy in the presence of God.