The term "forborne" is derived from the verb "forbear," which means to refrain or abstain from something, to hold back, or to exercise self-control. In the context of the Bible, forbearance is often associated with patience, restraint, and mercy, reflecting a godly character trait that believers are encouraged to cultivate.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Old Testament Context: The concept of forbearance is evident in the Old Testament, where God often demonstrates restraint and patience with His people despite their repeated disobedience. For example, in the book of Exodus, God shows forbearance towards the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness, despite their frequent complaints and lack of faith (Exodus 32:9-14).

2. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, forbearance is closely linked with the fruit of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of forbearance as a Christian virtue. In Colossians 3:13 , Paul writes, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Here, forbearance is associated with forgiveness and patience towards others.

3. Divine Forbearance: God's forbearance is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting His mercy and patience towards humanity. Romans 2:4 states, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" This passage underscores the idea that God's forbearance is intended to lead people to repentance and salvation.

4. Human Forbearance: Believers are called to emulate God's forbearance in their interactions with others. Ephesians 4:2 instructs, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This exhortation encourages Christians to exercise patience and restraint, reflecting the character of Christ in their relationships.

Theological Significance

Forbearance is a reflection of God's character and an essential aspect of Christian living. It involves a conscious decision to restrain oneself from reacting negatively or harshly, even when provoked. This virtue is rooted in love and is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

Practical Application

In practical terms, forbearance can be applied in various aspects of life, including family, church, and community relationships. It requires a commitment to understanding, patience, and forgiveness, even in challenging situations. By practicing forbearance, believers can maintain unity and peace within the body of Christ and serve as a witness to the world of God's enduring love and patience.1. (p. p.) of Forbear.

2. (p. p) of Forbear.

A Private Enquiry
... It was so with Eli: he had forborne to rebuke sin in his own house, and had brought
the anger of God upon himself; and therefore he had no comfortable ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm

2 Cor. xiii. 10
... For all my part has been done; I have suffered long, I have delayed, I have forborne
to cut off, I have besought, I have advised, I have alarmed, I have ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxx 2 cor xiii.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... I have had some thoughts of embarking the first five parts without delay to England,
but I have forborne from an unwillingness to do anything which I was not ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 15.htm

Other Proofs from the Same Chapter, that Jesus, who Preached at ...
... This fact I have not refrained from mentioning on this account, because it behoved
Marcion's Christ to have forborne all connection whatever with the domestic ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii other proofs from the.htm

Marcion's Christ not the Subject of Prophecy the Absurd ...
... Creator, so hurriedly before His Christ; whereas he ought long ago to have encountered
the one with a confutation, the other to have forborne encountering as ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter iv marcions christ not the.htm

Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
... of the house of Israel. [Jesus had not forborne answering her prayers through
lack of feeling, but from principle. It was part of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxvii healing a phoenician womans.htm

The Purpose and Healing Effects of the Incarnation. ...
... Again, our Lord cured with oil and wine the man who, going down from Jerusalem to
Jericho, fell among thieves; having forborne to treat him with the harsh ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi the purpose and.htm

Letter xvi. (AD 390)
... of your reasoning with which in a most pleasant way, and without violation of good
feeling, you recently attacked me, I have not forborne from replying to you ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xvi a d 390.htm

Letter xxxiii. (AD 396. )
... 2. Be not, however, surprised that I have so long forborne from addressing your
Benevolence; for I did not think that your views were such as were with great ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxiii a d 396.htm

Letter cxxxiii. (AD 412. )
... Do not call for the executioner now when the crime has been found out, after having
forborne from calling in the tormentor when you were finding it out. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxiii a d 412.htm

Forborne (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) of Forbear. 2. (p. p) of Forbear.
Multi-Version Concordance Forborne (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51 ...
/f/forborne.htm - 7k

Forborn (1 Occurrence)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/f/forborn.htm - 6k

Dwelling-places (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might hath failed; they are become as women: her ...
/d/dwelling-places.htm - 10k

Strongholds (44 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/s/strongholds.htm - 19k

Exhausted (26 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/e/exhausted.htm - 13k

Bars (50 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/b/bars.htm - 22k

Dwellings (54 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might hath failed, they are become as women; her ...
/d/dwellings.htm - 25k

Failed (58 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/f/failed.htm - 23k

Force (250 Occurrences)

/f/force.htm - 40k

Holds (67 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:30 The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in
their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as women: her ...
/h/holds.htm - 26k

Forborne: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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