“Tolerance is possessing a heart or a spirit that gives room at all times for people’s weakness and imperfection with a view to fostering peace and promoting friendship.” ― Bishop Dr. John Ibenu
Recently, we talked about “putting on love” that binds several crucial virtues (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, & patience), which we need to dress in daily. Each one, along with two additional instructions is essential to assist us in demonstrating unity by loving our neighbor. Let’s discuss the first instruction, “Bear with each other.”
The best definition for Bear With is found in the Webster 1828 dictionary, to endure what is unpleasing; to be indulgent; to forbear to resent, oppose, or punish. Synonym: tolerate – suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.
Ephesians 4:2 NIV explains, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” The NLT version says, “…making allowance for each other’s faults…,” while the NASB states, “showing tolerance for one another…”
Unfortunately, we will meet people that are “trying” (tries our patience, thoughts, & actions). But, we will need to successfully control our reactions to them without getting offended.
How we should act is described in Luke 6:27-28 TPT, “… I say to you, love your enemies and do something wonderful for them in return for their hatred. When someone curses you, bless that person in return. When you are mistreated and harassed by others, accept it as your mission to pray for them.”
Why do we do this? The answer is in Luke 6:31 TPT, “However you wish to be treated by others is how you should treat everyone else.” It comes back to us; what we sow is what we will reap.
As we continue on this Love Walk, I pray that each of us will daily put on love, get dressed in each virtue, so we can bear with each other.
Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
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