November 2, 2009 Longsuffering

Life Journey Ministries

Small Group Bible Study & Prayer Support

 

I.  Bible Passage(s)

Galatians 5:22 …the fruit of the Spirit is…longsuffering

 

Longsuffering, or patience, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit which enables us to endure the conflicting perspectives of others and to suffer without retaliating in order to lead others to saving faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Jesus’ in Matthew 5:43-45: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust.”

 

Jesus does not mean that Christians are to be door mats or that we are to bury our heads in the sand against injustice.  But love is patient, just as God is love, and through His perfect love for us shows Himself to be longsuffering (Psalm 86:15).

 

II. Discussion

1.  Talk about a situation in your vocational arena (place of work, family, community) where the spirit of God’s love has allowed you to be patient and suffer without retaliating.

 

2.  What does it mean that Christians are not doormats nor are we to bury our heads in the sand against injustice?  What does either of these have to do with longsuffering?  How do we know when it’s time to speak (always speaking the truth in love) and/or act?

 

3.  How can longsuffering lead others to saving faith in Christ Jesus?

III. Connection

1.  Share the high points and low points of your week. Why do you see these as highs and lows? How are they impacting your life right now?

2.  This week I want to thank God for...

3.  This week God is leading me to confess or grow in . . .

IV. Prayer & Praise

The prayer of the cross can be a helpful guide for prayer and praise. Simply picture a cross in your mind. Label the top of the cross “Praise and Adoration of God.” Label the base of the cross “Requests.” On the cross bar, label the left side “Confession;” and the right side “Thanks.” These four categories help us keep our prayers well rounded.

Many people make the sign of the cross when they pray. You might like to practice this prayer while making the sign of the cross. Touch your forehead and pray your praises and adoration of God. Touch your chest and pray any requests you may have. Touch your left shoulder and make any confessions the Spirit brings to mind. Touch your right shoulder and pray your thanks.

 

Love is seeking and doing what is best for the other.