The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
The term long-suffering is a biblical concept that conveys the idea of endurance, patience, and forbearance in the face of difficulties, offenses, or hardships. It is closely linked to God's character and the virtues that believers are encouraged to cultivate. Throughout Scripture, long-suffering is presented as an essential trait of both God and His faithful followers. 1. Meaning of Long-Suffering The word " long-suffering " is derived from two Old English words: " long " (extended over time) and " suffering " (enduring pain or hardship). In biblical usage, it refers to patient endurance, especially when faced with trouble, provocation, or adversity. It is similar to patience but often carries a deeper sense of perseverance despite repeated trials. In Hebrew, the term is often linked to " erek aph ", which literally means " long of nose ", signifying slow to anger. In Greek, it is translated as " makrothumia ...