Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study Wk. 3 Pt. 2
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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 5 – Longsuffering
It’s been a long time now, but you don’t forget these things too quickly. The years I lived in darkness, feeling worthless, and abused. The times I was thrown on the ground and spat on in public. The days I suffered in silence. The hours I cried on my bed praying it would end sooner than later…
When I finally got out, I felt free for the first time in years. I wanted to do something for myself. And so, with nothing but the clothes on my back and a bit of change in my pocket, I went to the public library to get myself a good book.
Stepping up to the counter I put down a small pile. “Can I take these books out?” I asked. “How many am I allowed?”
“Sure,” she said, “can I get your library card?”
I didn’t have one, and so, she proceeded to set me up with my own card–my very own library card.
When you’re in that state of mind. Your own “anything” means everything to you, even when it’s something as insignificant as a library card. And so, I was thrilled with the prospect of this first step of many.
“I’ll just need some ID with your current address,” she said.
Wth those words, my heart sunk. Since I didn’t have anything with my current address on it, I left empty handed, stepped out of the library, and alone on that sidewalk, I broke down in tears.
I was reminded of that young girl today when I opened my Bible to James Chapter 5. With wise words of encouragement, I find a reminder that the Lord’s coming soon. And with that, we’re told to be patient.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8, NIV)
Longsuffering doesn’t come easy some days. It’s hard to be patient with the state of this fallen world, and I know how hard it can be when you’re standing alone. James knew that too well. After all, he lived through the crucifixion. He saw the ugly, sinful side of mankind when they nailed his Savior to the cross. He witnessed the persecution of the early church, and knew what it meant to be longsuffering and kind.
If I could go back in time for a day, I’d tell my younger self this,
Stand strong, my friend. Be loving, and patient, and kind. Remember the prophets who persevered under affliction while they patiently waited on God. And finally, on those days when you think that you’re standing alone, be warmly reminded you’re not.
Answer Key Chapter 5
Q. How does longsuffering differ from patience in general?
It’s being patient with others in spite of affliction.
Q. What is the Greek word for longsuffering and how is it defined?
The Greek word for longsuffering is “makrothymia” (Strong’s G3115) which is forbearance, longsuffering, and slowness in avenging wrongs.
Q. What does Isaiah 53:7 say? Write the verse out here.
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7, NIV)
Q. Is there someone in your life that you are struggling to get along with? What came between you? And how do you think Jesus would respond to this person?
(This answer will be different for everyone)
Q. What was Joseph’s response to his brothers in Genesis 50:15-21?
He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Q. How did Job respond to his trials in Job Chapter 1?
He fell to the ground and worshipped the Lord.
Q. What are the four ways that Jesus instructs us to respond to our enemies in Luke 6:27-28?
Love your enemies
Do good to those that hate you
Bless those that curse you
Pray for those that mistreat you
Q. What did Jesus say in Luke 23:34?
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Q. How have you acted in the past when people have tested your patience? Would you have the same reaction today?
(This answer is different for everyone)
Q. God allows both problems and people to develop our patience. Can you think of any situations in the past that you’ve grown from?
(This answer is different for everyone)
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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 6 – Kindness
In Acts chapter 27, we read how Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans where he was a prisoner aboard their ship. Due to hurricane winds however, Paul and the other members of the crew were shipwrecked. When they got to the point where the ship could no longer move, all 276 men jumped overboard, floated to land on planks of wood, and safely arrived at The Island of Malta.
What’s interesting to note about Malta is that the islanders showed them “unusual kindness.”
As I read those words, I couldn’t help but think that this is the kindness we’re called to exhibit as children of God. Not a kindness that’s common to man, but rather kindness that exceeds expectations. A kindness that says there’s something different here–a kindness that points others to Christ.
Looking into our chapter this week, we read about Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew Chapter 14. Turning the pages of our Bible, we see that He feeds another 4,000 in Matthew Chapter 15. Without a doubt, the kindness of God is unusual.
Kindness is the lighthouse that guides men to Christ. A beacon of love that glorifies God. And so, we want that light to shine bright at all times.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, KJV)
The Bible tells us that God causes the sun to shine on the both the just and the unjust. Unusual kindness goes against the mainstream way of thinking when we love our enemies, and to do good to them that hate us. Being kind to people who are nice to us is nothing more than an exchange of emotions, but that kind of thinking changes the moment we truly decide to model our lives after Christ.
Answer Key Chapter 6
Q. If you had the courage to do and say what you’re thinking would you still be as kind as you are? Think of a time when your thoughts may have differed from your actions.
This answer will be different for everyone.
Q. Look up the word “hypocrite” at dictionary.com what does it mean?
A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess.
Q. In Ephesians 4:31 what 6 things does Paul tell believers to get rid of?
Bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and malice.
Q. In Ephesians 4:32 Paul tells believers to be compassionate and forgiving. Is there anyone with whom you are not compassionate and forgiving? Why not?
This answer will be different for everyone
Q. What are some negative intentions that can fuel acts of kindness?
This answer will be different for everyone.
Q. In Matthew chapter 14 we read about the feeding of the 5,000. What does verse 14 reveal about the heart of Jesus and His motives that day?
He fed and healed them because He had compassion for them.
Q. Why should we love our enemies, or go an extra mile without getting it back?
Because we’re called to be Christ-like and to reflect His compassion and grace in this world.
Q. What does the kindness of God do according to Romans 2:4?
It leads men to repentance.
Q. What are some ways that The Good Samaritan reflected the character Christ in Luke 10? Hint: I can find 7 of them, see if you can find more.
He approaches the man – Luke 19:10, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
He was a Samaritan – Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and rejected by men.”
He bandaged his wounds – Psalm 143:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
He poured oil on him – Psalm 23, “You anointed my head with oil.” (to set apart as holy)
He poured wine on him – Ephesians 5:18, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” (to fill with the Spirit)
He paid the man’s debt – 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
He said he would return, and when he did, he would repay them yet again – “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Q. What are 7 things we are commanded to put on according to Colossians 3:12-13?
Mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forbearance, and forgiveness.
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FREE Printables
During the 5 weeks of the Bible study, I’ll be creating a set of 4 x 6 inch note cards. Each week I’ll give you 3 for a total of 15 cards in total. These high resolution images will correspond with the theme of each week. Just so you know, the cards do fold, but the inside of each card is empty for writing in.
Please note: The (4.25 x 6.25) envelopes are not included with this printable. I found them at Amazon and thought they were so cute and colorful, and so I’ll definitely be getting some for myself. Click here if you are interested in those. (affiliate link)
Click the links below to view and print this week’s note cards.
