Got fruit? 4

Someone has pointed out that the words long suffering could mean, to suffer for a long period of time. Who likes to suffer anyway? Suffering is not something that any Christian looks forward to. The next fruit of the spirit is long suffering. The word long suffering in the original language could actually mean, to be steadfast or to bear troubles or ills. Some people that we know bring this out of us whether we like it or not. They test our patience and perhaps make us suffer for a long time. This is one of the fruits that comes out of a consistent and mature walk with the Lord. It can sometimes happen as a result of a trial or difficult situation that we are facing. James tells us that we are to "count it all joy" when we fall into various trials. He adds that it is for the testing of our faith. This is what helps us to grow and bear the fruit of long suffering. The cool thing about this fruit is that we are not alone when we are growing through this one. The Bible tells us that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. If we remember this, then it will not feel as difficult.