Lord’s Day, Vol. 2 No. 10
Charity Suffereth Long (1 Corinthians 13:4a)
This word “charity” describes the outworking of God’s love in the life of a believer. This love is both unconditional and sacrificial as exemplified by Jesus’ life. The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 2:5-6 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all”. This word “charity” has a definite article attached to it in the Greek text. The definite article attached to this love describes the specific characteristic or identity of such a love. Greek grammar tells us that this definite article serves to point out, to draw attention to, to identify, to make definite, and to define the character of this “agape” type of love.
This love is described as one that suffers, having to bear or endure what is painful and having to undergo distress inflicted by others. The King James translator adds the adjective “long” to describe the enduring nature of this patience. In this context, it describes the believer as exhibiting patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs inflicted by others (Thayer Lexicon). It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is defined as a state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavourable circumstances. It shows the character of patience, to suffer long, be long-suffering, as opposed to showing hasty anger.
There is another Greek word “hupomone” translated “patience” in the New Testament describing a man’s disposition as having an enduring spirit to bear difficult circumstances. Job was severely tested when he lost his wealth, his servants, his children and his health. His bowed himself in submission to God’s will in worship and said, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21). He could not understand his circumstances but he trusted that God is in control and would do him only good. He saw his circumstances with the eyes of faith and it stilled his heart to still trust God!
In 1 Corinthians 13:4a, it is the Greek word “makrothumeo” describing one who exercises understanding and patience towards people. This spiritual trait enables the believer to forgive another who has inflicted hurt through malice. We observe that one who possesses God’s love has an enduring character of patience called longsuffering.
The Biblical character Joseph, in the Book of Genesis, was sold at 16 by his jealous brothers as a slave to Egypt. He had to undergo great sufferings as a slave. He was thrown into jail because he acted righteously against the advances of his master’s wife. Subsequently, he was given wisdom to interpret the dream of Pharaoh. God helped him to make good, to be released from prison and promoted to second in command, to manage the coming famine that he predicted from Pharaoh’s dream. In the course of events, the famine impacted his brothers and they came to Egypt to buy grain. It was only then that he realized the reason why God worked by way of the betrayal of his brothers. It was to preserve the chosen seed of Israel. His brothers’ evil act to destroy Joseph was turned by God to work out His good plan of salvation for the family. Joseph forgave his brothers. He exercised much patience or longsuffering to control himself from exacting revenge on his brothers. He was in a good position to take revenge but he did not. Men meant evil but God worked out a good plan for Joseph’s life out of the evil he suffered. God made it beautiful for Joseph in His time. In the course of time, God moulded Joseph’s character and he demonstrated God’s love in the biblical trait of longsuffering.
Dear reader, are you going through a difficult time in your relationship with another person? It may be a family member, a classmate, a colleague or even a brethren in church. Do remember that God saved you that you could be a testimony for Him! We may develop this character trait of longsuffering through the surrendering of our will to our Lord through prayer. We may know His will for us by studying the Word of God. We may exhibit this practical charity by living it out, not just having head knowledge of it. Experience His power when we wait patiently for Him to act instead of taking matters into our own hands. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Yours lovingly
Pr Lek Aik Wee