Eternal Ponderings

Gal 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. NKJV

(Most accurate versions of the Bible use patience or temperance instead of long suffering. ESV and NASV (my favorite translations) use the word patience. There is much to be said about patience, and how it will be needed in eternity. However, I wish to discuss the word long-suffering as I have come to understand it. I apologize for those who are disturbed by the “incorrect” interpretation of the word.)

After studying Galatians 5:22-23, I acquired a preoccupation that has yet to be abandoned. All of these spiritual fruits must be eternal. Why would you acquire them or even pursue them if they wouldn't last for eternity. We all embrace the belief that love will remain. We wouldn't want peace to vanish when we enter His kingdom. Everyone will have joy when they see the face of God. But, we never assume that long-suffering will continue into eternity. After all, isn't heaven the place where our tears are wiped away- no more pain, no more suffering, and no more worries?

When I mention the possibility that long-suffering may endure through eternity, most people negate my confession. I am willing to assume they might be right; however, I will not assume they are right. If long-suffering is a fruit of the Spirit, I am willing to bet it is priceless and something to be cherished. Jesus died on the cross to expose our obsession with comfort and self-centeredness. Our human minds want to imagine heaven as a carefree environment where our comfort will never again be disrupted.

As I have meditated on this further, I have uncovered some nuggets I will share.

I do not think we will ever loose our reverence for God. I do not think for a moment we will stop grieving for the price He paid on the cross. Yes, we will rejoice in the resurrection from the dead. We will adore Him for purchasing us for Himself. But, through out eternity I want to be keenly aware that I never deserved it. In some fashion my resurrected body and my purchased soul will suffer from acute repentance. This long suffering is a powerful force that will continue to remind me of my unworthiness and His worth.

The elders bow down in the presence of God, and cry Holy, Holy, Holy. I think at that moment they are full of love, joy, hope, peace, and yes suffering. The true revelation of God will always hurt us. How many times did Daniel and John fall down as though dead? Countless times. Daniel was even sick and disturbed by his revelation. Isaiah is another worthy example. When He saw God He realized he was unclean, and I think that realization hurt a bit. Long-suffering has the potential to last for eternity and even bless us.

Finally, I want to suggest that Jesus is still experiencing long suffering for us. I know that there was one sacrifice and there will never be another. Jesus died on the cross once, and He will never have to experience that pain again. However, Jesus is still our high priest, and He is still our intercessor. He may not experience physical pain, but His intercession is real and true. When He comes before the Father I suggest he truly feels a burden, and may be somewhat broken. He experiences the grief any human would over broken humanity. Also, when Father God sees the scars of His Son it is His hurt that births compassion.

I could continue in this discussion. God has given me many thoughts on why long-sufferings are not our enemies. It is a spiritual fruit that is vital for the kingdom. In many ways our sufferings intensify our ability to experience the other fruits. If we are not hurt by someone, do we really have the ability to love them without condition? I will stop my tirade. I simply want to make people consider something they might not have considered.