by: Russell McLaughlin

Christian Forbearance

“…with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Ephesians 4:2.

            Christians should have a forbearing spirit.  The word “forbear” is defined as “to hold oneself back, especially with an effort of self-restraint; hold back, abstain; to control oneself when provoked: be patient.” As Christ disciples we are to show tolerance, bearing with others in love.

            We see this trait modeled in Jesus.  On the night of his betrayal, he was seized and led before Caiaphas, the high priest.  The treatment he received was brutal and uncivilized.

            Jesus was lied about by others.  Yet, Jesus remained silent!  They passed judgment that he deserved death.  Yet, Jesus remained silent! They spat in his face. Yet, he remained silent! They struck him and slapped him. Yet he remained silent!

            During this despicable trial, Jesus held back and restrained himself and did not retaliate.  If anyone had the right to, it was him! But on that occasion, he modeled for us all the kind of forbearance that serves as a paradigm for our relations with others.

            Listen to Peter’s words, in 1 Peter 2:21-23: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth! When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

             Paul in Phil. 4:5 says, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (NKJV) The Greek word can be translated: gentleness, forbearance, fairness, reasonableness, or moderation. Do we forbear others in love? May we strive to be gentle and forbearing. That is a spirit worth embracing!