“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” ~ Colossians 3:13

Many times, we find ourselves hurting the ones we love—through our words, actions, or even inaction. This is especially true in our relationship with Jesus. Every time we do what He hates, fail to do what He has asked of us, or neglect to express the love and mercy He has shown us to others; we wound the one we love.

There’s a statement that once circulated: “I wonder how many times we break God’s heart.” Some of us might quickly respond, “It’s impossible to break God’s heart,” but the truth is, we can grieve His Spirit, as the Bible reminds us in Isaiah 63:10: “But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned and became their enemy, and He fought against them.” While God’s heart remains whole, our actions can grieve His Spirit. Yet, in His loving kindness and mercy, God chooses to forgive us time and again. Why? Because His love bears all things.

As followers of Christ, He is our example, and we are called to imitate Him. This means that, just as He forebearingly endures all of our shortcomings, we too must bear with one another in love. Love bears all things, and we are called to love as He does, even in the face of hurt and disappointment.

If Jesus can forbear our errors a thousand times over, so can we. In our day and age, where forbearance is often seen as weakness or an afterthought, we are called to be different. We are to choose love over pride, patience over frustration, and forgiveness over bitterness.

Forbearance is not easy, especially when we are hurt or wronged. Yet, it is through forbearance that many relationships, marriages, and friendships are saved. If we could learn to forbear more, how many homes would still stand, and how many bonds would remain unbroken?

But, as always, it is not by power or by might, but by the grace of God. It is through the strength He provides us by His Spirit that we can truly bear all things.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to forbear as you do, and please have mercy on me for every time I have grieved your Holy Spirit.