Encouragement & Longsuffering

Anita Delene Manthe
Aug 7, 2017
3 min read

I’m sure we can all agree it does try our patience, and can become exasperating when we hear the same old story over and over again. This is true irrespective of who does the listening and who does the speaking. It could be a parent listening to the excuses of their child – they never seem willing to learn from the time proven counsel you give them. They don’t think you know better – their experiences are unique to them, and you’re missing the point. However, you are not! Or, it could be the conversation between two friends – your friend is in a continual struggle. They are never able to step away from their struggle and stand strong.

You listen, you encourage, and then you encourage some more. It seems that every other week you go through the same process; listening, advising – laying out a plan. There never seems to be a change. You offer the same solution, you discuss the same strategy to overcome the struggle, and you write it out point by point to ensure they know and understand the importance of personal accountability with what needs to be done. They may take a step, but that’s it. Then, they give up.

A week or two later they’re once again overwhelmed by life’s circumstances – the very same ones. Their steps falter, their struggle becomes overwhelming – they can’t function. Once again, they appeal for your listening ear, they want your help. And, they want it now.

How are we to respond? Yes, or no? Do we counsel them some more? What is the wisest decision we can make to honor the Lord in the life of this person.

We listen. Again.

If you’re tired of hearing the same saga yet another time – say you’ll get back to them, then pray, and pray some more. Prepare your heart to listen one more time. When you meet. Lovingly remind them of former discussions where you laid out the groundwork, mapped and directed them with what they are to do, and explained the Biblical importance of following each step – they will give an account.

At moments like this we can be tempted to allow our lack of patience to take control. Clearly, the one whose story we have come to know is growing in despair – they are losing hope. Our first responsibility is to restore hope, we need to do so with patience – listening patience. We need to remind ourselves of the patience extended us, of the kindness, mercy and grace we found in that. When we do, we will know how to listen one more time. And then, how to listen yet again.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1).
We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Therefore, as elect ones of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassions, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, bearing with one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also you should forgive (Colossians 3:12-13).
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).