LONGANIMITY

What is longanimity?

1. This means extra ordinary patience under provocation or trials.
2. It is also called long-suffering, and forbearance, an ability or disposition to bear injuries patiently.
3. It means toleration caused by love and a desire for peace.
4. It is similar to patience, which means enduring difficulties for the sake of good. We all have unanswered prayers; some of us wait in hope for a spouse, others for children, a cure, others to secure a job, to pay a debt, etc.
5. In the midst of uncertainty, we can pray for the virtue of Longanimity to strengthen our souls and guard us against despair. The Christian life is a matter of waiting for God. Similar to the parable of the ten brides in the Gospel of Matthew 25:1-13, which demonstrates the proper attitude of Christians as one watching and waiting in hope, lamps filled with oil. We cannot get to heaven on our own. If, however, we look heaven-wards for a long time, God will come and take us up.

 

MILDNESS

What is Mildness?

1. Mildness means to be forgiving rather than being angry, gracious rather than revengeful, and be gentle and meek like Jesus himself, who said I am gentle and humble of heart (Matthew 11:29).
2. Mildness is gentleness, and it is not an indication of weakness but of power and strength under control.

 A person having this fruit pardons injuries, corrects faults, and rules his own spirit well. Apostle Peter wrote that a quiet and mild spirit is of great value in the eyes of God (1 Peter 3:4).

1. Mildness is a godly trait, valued by God. It is closely linked with humility, and being lowly in heart. Jesus Christ demonstrated humility throughout his earthly ministry. We should clothe ourselves with mildness.
2. It can help us. For example, when problems arise with neighbours, instead or arguing or quarrelling with them, we should show mildness so that we can, as Phil 4:5 says, let our gentleness be apparent to all, because the Lord is near. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, it resulted to sin and death, but God did not harshly write off humans. He, instead, out of his graciousness (expression of mildness) provided the means by which humanity can come to him again and gain favour. Hence, we must not be that severe in our dealings.