Bearing with One Another

07.    Bearing with one another

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  (Ephesians 4:2)   The New American Standard states verse 2 like this:  ‘with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”  Another way to translate this word, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (New Living Translation)

The word can also be forbearance.  Forbearance is the commitment to show tolerance for differences and make allowance for mistakes over time.   We should be patient with each other’s weaknesses and to have a forgiving spirit.  Also you bear with one another when you exercise self-restraint or tolerance with someone else.  We also need to make allowances for others.  We all do sin and need forgiveness

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%204:1-7&version=NIV1984

and Colossians 3:12-17  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:12-17&version=NIV1984

Think:  One thing that I have difficulty being patient about is _________________________.

Actions:  Make a list of your weaknesses and idiosyncrasies, i.e. what do you do that irritates others with whom you live, work, or socialize?

     What are your attitudes and actions toward other Christians? Do you expect more of them than yourself?  Do you criticize them in areas of your weaknesses?

     Make a list of all the Christians you have difficulty relating to and try to determine why.  Do you need to apologize to them or forgive them?

Prayer list:  List people you will remember in prayer, particularly those who are weak