Posted by
ZSOLTAROS on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 2:06:13 PM
„Showing forbearance to one
another in love”
(Ephesians 4,2)
It is
likely that you did not hear the word “forbearance” being used around you
recently. Looking up the meaning of the word explains the reasons for the
silence. These are the definitions of forbearance: “tolerance and restraint in
the face of provocation; a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges;
refraining from acting”. Another usage goes like this: “the act of a creditor
who refrains from enforcing a debt when it falls due”. Once the practice is out
use there is no reason to stick with the word.
No matter what the world does,
believers are commanded to practice forbearance to one another. The Greek expression
translated as “showing forbearance” actually means “suppressing something with
silence”. In this context it conveys the idea of throwing a blanket over those
things that would be obstacles to healthy relationships. Guess what! – a certain kind of „sweeping of the sins under the rug”, is commanded by the Scriptures.
In Proverbs we read, “Hatred stirs up
strife, but love covers all transgressions” (10,12). In certain situations
forbearance is the only option for lovingly maintain a relationship. As the
apostle teaches, there is place for this kind of love in our churches. The obstacles
to the relationship need to be covered inside of us, so that we are enabled to
relate in spite the wrongs done to us.
This
is how God relates to you and me.
Lord, confessing
my unworthiness of your love, I thank you for sending Christ to die for me.
Help me to love others; even my enemies. My desire is to show forbearance to
others in love. Amen.