The Bible uses the word patience in the form of *makrothumia* (G3115), which refers to patience with people. In II Samuel 16:5-10, David exemplifies *makrothumia* by restraining his mighty man and nephew, Abishai, from taking violent action against Shimei. David understood that Shimei, a man from Saul's line, was caught up in the events occurring in Israel, and he considered that God might be involved in Shimei's actions. This demonstrates calm endurance and self-control in dealing with others under stress.

Longsuffering, akin to patience and forbearance, is the quality of self-restraint in the face of provocation. A person who embodies longsuffering does not quickly retaliate or punish those who insult, offend, or harm them. It stands as the opposite of anger and is closely tied to mercy. This attribute, reflected in God, is a fruit of His Holy Spirit. The Greek word *makrothumia*, translated as longsuffering, combines *makro*, meaning long, and *thumos*, meaning temper, literally signifying to be long-tempered. It describes a mind that holds back for a long time before expressing itself in action or passion, contrasting with a short temper. God exemplifies longsuffering, bearing long and being slow to anger. His longsuffering is evidence of His goodness, faithfulness, and desire to grant salvation. It is seen in His gracious restraint of wrath toward those who deserve it, as He patiently waited for 120 years during Noah's time while the ark was built and the animals gathered. Unlike human perspective, God sees the end in view, possesses true insight, knows what is best, and remains unswayed by emotions. Christ sets the standard of longsuffering through His patient and enduring handling of sinners. God promises to be long-tempered with us as we repent and dedicate ourselves to obedience and service to Him. Many of God's servants also develop this quality through their dedication to Him. As the elect of God, we must clothe ourselves with longsuffering. By embodying this quality in unity, friction is dramatically reduced. To be loving and effective, correction, rebuke, and encouragement must be done with longsuffering. This trait strengthens spiritually, as it is the opposite of wrath or revenge, reflecting an even temper that does not retaliate despite injury or insult. Longsuffering can only be developed as a fruit of the Spirit, growing from the root of love and bearing fruit alongside other spiritual qualities. Love, taking precedence among the gifts of the Spirit, carries the attribute of suffering long. Thus, longsuffering is the patient endurance of offense, closely aligned with patience, which is cheerful or hopeful endurance and patient waiting. It is the quality of tolerating the actions of others against us, even when severely tried.

Love, as described in I Corinthians 13:4, is characterized by patience, often translated as longsuffering, derived from the Greek term *makrothumia* (G3115). This term, frequently used to describe God, reflects His enduring patience with humanity, allowing ample time for repentance. Longsuffering is a vital trait for Christians, as Ephesians 4:1-3 urges walking worthily of one's calling with lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering, bearing with one another in love to maintain unity. Colossians 3:13 further emphasizes bearing with and forgiving one another, mirroring Christ's forgiveness. Longsuffering represents the passive side of love, enduring ill-treatment without retaliation, and stands as a clear expression of godly love even in the face of adversity.