We Must Forbear and Forgive (by Pastor Mark Parsons)

It appears that those who are quick to forgive others realize that they themselves have been forgiven much by our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  (See Luke 7:36-50.)

Paul speaks of forbearance and forgiveness in Colossians 3:12-14, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

The KJV uses the expression, “forbearing with one another,” meaning to “put up with, endure, and suffer.”   However, we are not to forbear with contempt or disgust but with a heart of compassion being quick to forgive.

God was certainly patient with Israel and put up with them for forty years in the wilderness journey (see Acts 13:18). The whole time He was exhibiting His godly and holy forbearance with a disobedient and rebellious nation.

Ask Jesus to enable you to be more forbearing and forgiving, and strive to practice these virtues daily.

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