Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Forbearing

◄ Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Forbearing ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Forbearance, as an expression of love towards others, is a vital aspect of Christian conduct. It involves patience, restraint, and a willingness to endure offenses or hardships without retaliation. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that highlight the importance of forbearance as a demonstration of love to fellow human beings.

Biblical Exhortations to Forbearance

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently emphasizes the necessity of forbearance among believers. In Ephesians 4:2, he writes, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." This passage underscores the connection between humility, patience, and love, suggesting that forbearance is an outgrowth of these virtues. Similarly, in Colossians 3:13, Paul instructs, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Here, forbearance is linked with forgiveness, indicating that enduring grievances is a reflection of the forgiveness believers have received from Christ.

Forbearance in the Life of Jesus

The life and ministry of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate example of forbearance. Despite facing constant opposition, misunderstanding, and eventual crucifixion, Jesus consistently demonstrated patience and restraint. In 1 Peter 2:23, it is noted, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Jesus' response to suffering and injustice exemplifies the depth of forbearance that believers are called to emulate.

Practical Application of Forbearance

Forbearance is not merely a passive endurance but an active expression of love that seeks the well-being of others. In Romans 12:18, Paul advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This directive encourages believers to pursue peace and harmony, even when faced with difficult circumstances or challenging individuals. Forbearance requires a conscious decision to prioritize love over personal grievances, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to forbear is not solely a human endeavor but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists forbearance as a fruit of the Spirit, alongside love, joy, peace, and other virtues. This indicates that forbearance is a divine attribute cultivated within believers through their relationship with God. As Christians yield to the Spirit's work, they are equipped to exhibit forbearance in their interactions with others, thereby fulfilling the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31).

Forbearance in Community Life

In the context of the Christian community, forbearance is essential for maintaining unity and fostering a spirit of cooperation. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Forbearance plays a crucial role in this endeavor, as it allows individuals to overlook minor offenses and differences for the sake of communal harmony. By practicing forbearance, believers contribute to a culture of love and mutual respect within the body of Christ.

In summary, forbearance is a critical component of love towards others, as outlined in the Scriptures. It requires patience, humility, and a willingness to forgive, all of which are made possible through the work of the Holy Spirit. By embodying forbearance, Christians reflect the character of Christ and promote peace and unity within their communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:2
With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Attributes of Love.
... necessary to make confession of all their secret sins to man. ... all to whom benevolence
demands that they should confess ... Self-denial is another attribute of love. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... when they see any one superior to the love of money ... For there is a fear lest the
man, if he has been punished beyond what he deserves, should experience that ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

In Him: Like Him
... sweat, and for the "Why hast thou forsaken me?" Those love-visits, those ... he shall
give thee the desires of thine heart." Many a man says, "I should like to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

1 John i. 1-ii. 11
... Or was it possible they should be condemned by you unheard? ... But some man will say,
"He said it of them that ... commandment give I unto you that ye love one another ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily i 1 john i.htm

Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... as if one for the sake of striking a man who is immersed in putrefying filth should
defile himself ... the good things promised to those that love Him, through ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxix acts xvii 32-34.htm

Eldad and Medad
... If we give of our love lavishly, yet affection is ... No man therefore has the right
to forbid any preacher ... Every true convert should sometimes feel as the prophet ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.
... at once, with the impatient zeal of a love not sufficiently ... which he stands in need,
lest he should humble himself ... same radical fault of the natural man is seen ...
/.../epistle of paul to the.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... does not deserve mercy, the God of love has been ... that penitent sinners, and penitent
sinners only should obtain mercy ... you read the story of the man who made no ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... on the most worthless; for "God commendeth his love toward us, in ... Ah, woe to the
man who serves God as that son ... and would be surprised if it should go without ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... any commonwealth, yet, notwithstanding, no Christian man whatsoever is ... be carried
about, but that we should duly use ... a sign of the mutual love which Christians ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm