Last week, we focused on compassion as a key ingredient for speech that always carries grace. Today, let’s explore another essential component of grace-filled speech: forbearance.

Often, the words we speak in response to others can reveal contempt, impatience, or frustration, especially when we lack forbearance. These attitudes can easily slip into our speech, hindering the grace we aim to convey.

To better understand forbearance, let’s explore how its absence can undermine grace. The Apostle Paul urges the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae to be patient with one another: "bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; just as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:13, NKJV)

Here, Paul encourages us to bear with one another, and to understand the significance of this act, we need to explore the Greek word used for "bear"—anechó. According to Strong’s Lexicon, this verb conveys the idea of enduring or bearing with something or someone, often in the face of provocation. It suggests a patience that is vital when interacting with others, especially when difficulties arise.

It can be all too easy to lose patience with friends, family, or fellow members of the Church, especially when we feel justified in our frustrations. However, this impatience often falls short of the grace we’re called to show. To foster forbearance, let’s pause and reflect on how much forbearance God demonstrates toward each of us daily.

Paul writes to the Jewish members in Rome, challenging them with this reminder: "Do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance (Greek anochē), and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"(Romans 2:4, NKJV)

Forbearance can be difficult, especially in moments when we feel tested by others. But consider how many countless times God has shown forbearance, patience, and endurance with us as we “fall or slip” as we navigate the road to the Kingdom of God. His patience toward us is unmeasurable, and it is through His example that we follow that we can extend forbearance to others.

Paul also encourages us to support one another, especially those in times of weakness or those who have just begun their walk with God: "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves." (Romans 15:1, NKJV)

When we grow in forbearance, we can offer words of grace rather than frustration or contempt. This kind of patience can encourage others through their challenges, reflecting the grace and strength God gives us.

We all benefit from God’s forbearance. Let’s work to extend that same patience and grace toward others and having our speech reflect His love, compassion and forbearance.

May each of you enjoy a peaceful Sabbath as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ