Today's thought - 13 October 2026 (Who is Jesus to you)

 

How are you, my friend? Our Pastor asked this question Sunday morning: “Who is Jesus to you?”. Take a moment and just think about that. Who is Jesus to you?

My verse is from Psalm 76:10, “Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon”. Before we look into this verse the Holy Spirit took me back to Ephesians 4. The first three verses looks like this, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.

This word, “Longsuffering” has been on my mind since Sunday. Let’s take a moment and look at it in Biblical perspective.

Longsuffering in the Bible means being "long-tempered," patient, and slow to anger, especially when facing provocation, mistreatment, or difficult circumstances. It is the exact opposite of having a "short fuse" or seeking quick retaliation.

Where do we find it in the Bible

Greek Word (Makrothumia): In the New Testament (such as in the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23), the word is makrothumia, which combines makros (meaning "long" or "distant") and thumos (meaning "anger" or "passion"). It describes a person who restrains their anger over a long duration.

Hebrew Concept (Erek 'Apap): In the Old Testament, the phrase often translates to being "slow to anger" or literally "long of breathing" (opposed to "short of breathing" or violent anger).

Not Just Waiting: While standard patience helps a person tolerate slow circumstances (like traffic or lines), longsuffering specifically focuses on enduring people, offenses, and injuries without striking back.

How the Bible Applies it

An Attribute of God: God is repeatedly described as longsuffering - patiently holding back judgment, offering mercy, and giving people time to repent (e.g., Exodus 34:6, 2 Peter 3:9).

A Fruit of the Spirit: As outlined by the apostle Paul in Galatians 5:22, longsuffering is a character trait produced in believers by the Holy Spirit, enabling them to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12).

A Call to Endure: Believers are urged to display this quality in family, church, and daily relationships, choosing forgiveness and restraint instead of bitterness or revenge.

Ok, now let us come back to my question and my verse. The NKLV says Psalm 76:10 like this, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself”. Now first thing, who is Jesus to you? We talked about the type of Christian we are and when people we see everyday are asked about us, what their answers will be. What do people say about our walk with God. Now I ask you in your walk with God, who is Jesus to you. When we understand the concept of Jesus being the cornerstone and the rock we should build on, we understand the next concept where Jesus said abide in me and I in you for without me you can do nothing.

Jesus being the cornerstone, the most important part in your life. The very foundation on which you should build your life. This is vital because when we are in that storm, Jesus will not always be the one who calms the storm but in Him we can go through the storm and now that word, with longsuffering. God can use man’s wrath for His glory. Just as He took what was intended to destroy Joseph and turn it around for His glory, so can he take what we face and turn it around for His glory.

That is why no testimony is without a test, and no storm will last forever. It is by longsuffering and trusting God and His time that we will stay rooted on our rock, Jesus Christ, and go through the storm, the trials, the tribulation and see His glory on the other side.

It is such a simple word, but once you understand longsuffering and know who Jesus is to you and in your life and how important your relationship is with Him, then you will be like Joseph. Even in jail he stood on the rock, the foundation of his faith, and trusted God regardless of the storm he faced.

My friend, the only way we can apply longsuffering is with the Lord and being in a close relationship with Him. God will take what you face and turn it around. He will make all things work out for good, to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Have an awesome day.