Have you ever noticed a specific word “pop up” repeatedly while hearing, studying, or reading God’s Word? Naturally, it was always there, but now it has caught your attention. If so, you can appreciate this: I’ve become increasingly intrigued by the word “forbear”.
A few weeks ago, our blog entitled “Life on the Field” stated that we (that includes us) often forfiet the opportunity to minister through our response to opposition. It included the image above. I knew the verse well by that point; it was approximately my fifth encounter of it, along with another, in a short period.
According to the Strong’s Concordance, “forbearing” means: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with. I couldn’t help but chuckle when I read that last figurative definition. (Probably because that’s when I knew God was telling me something!) After studying and researching, I read the scripture again, with definitions. The following is what my study, with the Lord’s help, revealed to my curious heart. (I’ve noted those insights with parenthetical emphasis below.)
“(This is the charge:) walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
(How?) with all lowliness and meekness (humility under the control of the Spirit), with longsuffering (patience with fortitude), forbearing (putting up with) one another in love;
(Why?) endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3-5
God was leading me to a deeper understanding of my role and responsibility in ministry and teaching me through difficulty. The words to the hymn “God Leads Us Along” came to mind as I considered God’s careful guidance.
“Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.”
Have you been there, Beloved? In a night season, wondering how do I forbear, or put up with, _____________ ? Then the Lord gently reminded me that through whatever circumstances, we can do anything if we will just remember what’s been done for us!
Mindblown and convicted, I turned to the other verse that had been on repeat (Colossians 3:13). Reading them side by side, my heart broke as this realization settled in: Whatever I was being asked to forbear, it wasn’t the cross that Christ bore for me. Almost immediately, I considered my sinful nature and wondered, “What are others having to forbear because of me?” Yikes!
I concluded that when we view anything—let’s be honest, anyone—through the lens of the Gospel, there isn’t much we can’t forbear, is there? After all, the things we are working toward will matter for all eternity!
We pray you leave here encouraged after a busy Sunday – we know the feeling well. May God help us all remain steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding for His glory!
