Greek makrothymia (μακροθυμία) — literally "long-temperedness" (makros, "long" + thymos, "spirit/passion"). Translated "patience" or "longsuffering" in English Bibles. Distinguished from hupomonē ("endurance under circumstances, patience with things") by its object: makrothymia is patience with people — the slow-to-wrath disposition that absorbs offense, delays judgment, and gives time for repentance. It appears as a divine attribute throughout Scripture (Exodus 34:6 LXX, Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9) and as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.
Makrothymia is the character of God stamped on His people. "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger..." (Exodus 34:6) — that "slow to anger" is rendered makrothymos in the Greek OT. 2 Peter 3:9 is one of the most pastorally important verses in the NT: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient [makrothymei] toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." Every day the world continues without judgment is a day of divine makrothymia. Paul ties makrothymia to salvation itself: "For this reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience [makrothymia] as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life" (1 Timothy 1:16). The Church is called to the same disposition: "With all humility and gentleness, with patience [makrothymia], bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2). Short-tempered Christians betray their Father's character. Men especially: the recovery of makrothymia is the recovery of strength. Quick-tempered men think their fire is masculinity; it is actually weakness. Makrothymia is masculine because it takes real strength to delay judgment when you could unleash it.