Lesson 5: What Charity disposes in long-suffering
“Charity disposes us meekly to bear the evil that is received from others, or the injuries that others may do to us.”
Meekness
1. The Reality of Injuries in a Fallen World
Doctrine: Christians will inevitably suffer wrongs, offenses, and unjust treatment from others in this sinful world.
Key Idea:
In a broken world, injury is normal—not exceptional—so believers must be prepared to respond rightly.
Supporting Scripture
Matthew 10:16 — “Sheep in the midst of wolves”
2 Thessalonians 3:2 — “All men have not faith”
Theological Principle
Total depravity and the fallen nature of humanity mean that conflict and harm are unavoidable; therefore, spiritual preparation (meekness) is necessary for godly living.
2. The Nature of Meek Long-Suffering
Doctrine: True Christian meekness means patiently enduring wrong without revenge, while keeping love and inner peace.
Key Idea:
Meekness is not weakness—it is controlled strength that refuses retaliation and maintains calmness of soul.
Edwards cites:
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Galatians 5:22 — “Fruit of the Spirit… long-suffering”
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Ephesians 4:2 — “With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering”
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Luke 21:19 — “In your patience possess ye your souls”
Theological Principle:
Sanctification produces Christlike character, where believers increasingly reflect patience, gentleness, and emotional self-control through the Spirit.
3. Love to God Produces Meek Endurance
Doctrine: Love for God leads believers to imitate His long-suffering and respond to others with patience.
Key Idea:
We endure injuries because God has patiently endured far greater offenses from us.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Exodus 34:6 — “The Lord… long-suffering”
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Romans 2:4 — “Riches of his… long-suffering”
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1 Timothy 1:15–16 — Christ’s patience as an example
Theological Principle:
Imitatio Dei (imitation of God): True love for God results in living like Him—showing mercy, patience, and forgiveness toward others.
4. The Excellence and Reward of Meekness
Doctrine: Meekness and long-suffering reveal true greatness and are required for receiving God’s forgiveness.
Key Idea:
The ability to control anger shows spiritual strength, while refusing to forgive shows spiritual weakness.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Proverbs 16:32 — “Better than the mighty”
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Matthew 6:14–15 — Forgive to be forgiven
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Romans 12:19 — “Vengeance is mine”
Theological Principle
Reciprocity in divine judgment: Those who receive grace must extend grace; forgiveness given is evidence of forgiveness received.
Applicable Reflections
Self-Examination Questionnaire:
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Do I become easily disturbed or angry when I am wronged?
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Do I secretly desire revenge, even if I do not act on it?
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Do I remember how patient God has been with my own sins?
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Can I maintain love and calmness toward someone who has hurt me deeply?
Spiritual Applications:
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Practice silent restraint — refuse to respond with harsh words when offended.
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Pray for those who hurt you — imitate Christ’s example on the cross.
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Choose peace over rights — be willing to suffer loss rather than create conflict.
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Meditate on God’s patience — let His mercy shape your response to others.
What does Edwards have to say?
"But you may still further say, that those who have injured you, persist in it, and do not at all repent, but go on doing it still. But what opportunity could there be for long-suffering, if injury were not persisted in long? If injuries are continued, it may be for the very purpose, in providence, of trying whether you will exercise long-suffering and meekness, and that forbearance that has been spoken of. And did not God bear with you, when you persisted in offending him? When you have been obstinate, and self-willed, and persevering in your injuries against him, has he ceased to exercise his long-suffering toward you?"
¹ Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits: Christian Love as Manifested in the Heart and Life (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Company, 1852), 94.