2
TIMOTHY 4:2
LONGANIMITY
Preach
the word; be instant in season,
out of season;
reprove,
rebuke, exhort
with all long suffering3115
and doctrine.
One meaning of “longsuffering”
is longanimity. The definition according to Webster’s
1828 American Dictionary of the English Language:
Longanimity - Forbearance;
patience; disposition to endure long under offenses.
Timothy’s overarching purpose
was to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly, with abandonment, and without shame. He
was to teach the principles of godly living to the believers in Ephesus. He was
to identify, isolate, and rebuke the sin of the believers at Ephesus and any
others within the sphere of his influence. However, this was to be done with
all patience and love, exemplifying the character of Christ.
It is never easy to confront a
brother or sister in Christ concerning sin in his or her life. Teaching on how
to do so is often lacking in modern churches. Because of this, many people stay
stuck on the hamster wheel of sin instead of being lovingly led to victorious
living. Their spiritual growth is stunted because a more mature brother or
sister failed to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Therefore, the
entire body, the congregation is stunted.
I once had to confront a
friend about performing in an inappropriate manner during his musical act. It
was not easy. It was not pleasant for me. However, he needed to think about his
witness for Jesus. If I had not said something to him, I feel I would have been
sinning by refusing to speak the truth in love. He actually thanked me for
caring enough to point it out. When you approach a person about wrongdoing, it
is because you respect and love them enough to do so. It should not be done
with a judgmental attitude but gently with patience to wait on the Holy Spirit
to convict. The response may not be gratitude immediately. That’s where the
longanimity comes in.
Be bold to speak the truth,
but be sure you do so with gentleness and patience.
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