The Fruit of the Spirit – Longsuffering & Kindness
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Chapter 5 – Longsuffering
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Last week, our focus was on David, and how he discovered peace by leaning into God’s comforting presence. As we venture into exploring the fruit of longsuffering this week, David’s example emerges once again, reminding us of his steadfast endurance and patience.
In the book of 1 Samuel, we find a profound demonstration of what it truly means to exercise patience and kindness even when provoked. Before David became king, he served King Saul. Although David was loyal and faithful, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit and began to distrust him. His paranoia grew so intense that he attempted to kill David multiple times.
In the midst of these tumultuous circumstances, David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul, but he refused. When David’s men urged him to take advantage of the situation, David responded, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 24:6, NIV)
David showed immense restraint and respect, embodying what we now identify as longsuffering – the capacity to bear provocation, annoyance, or pain, without retaliation. Despite the persistent threats to his life, David chose not to respond with violence or vengeance. Instead, he showed mercy, patience, and reverence for God’s plan.
What we learn from David is that longsuffering isn’t about tolerating pain or hardship in silence. It’s about reacting with patience and grace when we are provoked, wronged, or treated unjustly. It’s choosing kindness when we have every right to be unkind. It’s about bearing with one another in love, even when it’s difficult.
And this, dear friends, is exactly what God does for us each day. Despite our faults and failings, He is patient with us. Peter writes, “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.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)
As we continue our study this week, let’s pray for the strength and grace to bear with one another in love, just as Christ has borne with us. In doing so, we reflect the character of God to the world, showing them what it means to be disciples of Jesus.
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Chapter 6 – Kindness
Kindness has such a unique and powerful impact, doesn’t it? It’s like a mirror reflecting God’s heart, full of mercy and love. This week, we’re looking at two people in the Bible who show us just how deep and beautiful kindness can be—Boaz from the Book of Ruth, and the Good Samaritan (we’ll be digging deeper into his story in our study guide).
Boaz, a landowner in Israel, could have easily ignored Ruth, a Moabite woman who was gathering grain from his fields. But instead of looking past her, Boaz chose to extend kindness, protecting her, providing for her needs, and treating her with respect. He looked past cultural norms that would have kept them apart and saw Ruth’s worth as a person. His kindness didn’t stop there either. Boaz chose to marry Ruth, becoming her kinsman-redeemer and giving her a future filled with hope. It was an act of love that went beyond the expected and showed us the true meaning of God’s kindness.
Just like the Good Samaritan, who also broke through societal barriers to extend kindness to someone in need, Boaz sets an example for us all. Both their stories inspire us to look past differences, to reach out to others, and to let God’s love guide our actions.
This week, as we study these two examples of kindness, let’s remember their lessons and ask God to help us reflect His kindness in our own lives. They show us that kindness isn’t just about being nice—it’s about seeing the value in others and choosing to love them as God does.
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