Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering... (Romans 2:4)Longsuffering was a quality evident in the ministry of the Apostle Paul:
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience... (II Timothy 3:10)We are told to be longsuffering with joyfulness:
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all
patience, and longsuffering with joyfulness. (Colossians 1:11)We are called to be longsuffering:
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another
in love. (Ephesians 4:2)We are to preach the Word of God with longsuffering:
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine. (II Timothy 4:2)Believers are to "put on" longsuffering as a spiritual quality:
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)GENTLENESS
Gentleness is the quality of having a mild manner, not severe, violent, or loud. It is a quiet and
respectful kindness.
The Bible warns believers not to strive but to be gentle to all men:
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt
to teach, patient...(II Timothy 2:24)We are not to be brawlers. Brawlers are people who are always fighting or arguing:
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness
unto all men. (Titus 3:2)