Are you bearing the fruit of forbearance?
God wants to produce the fruit of forbearance in each of us so that we develop an attitude of patient endurance. This forbearance will equip us with the ability to withstand suffering and opposition, while also demonstrating a gentle attitude towards others who are weak. If we are equipped with God’s love, peace, and His joy, then no doubt we will also be able to demonstrate God’s character of forbearance.
Remember “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. -1 Corinthians 13: 4-5.
What if God should withdraw His Spirit of forbearance that He continues to show towards us?
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. -Psalm 103:8. He wants to develop His character of forbearance in us so that we can reflect His fruit of the spirit. Throughout the bible we have seen evidence of His patience towards His children and today, He is still the same God of forbearance.
When Jesus sojourned here on earth, He was despised and rejected, yet he endured the pain, disappointments, and rejections, and He did not sin. “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” -1 Peter 2:23-24.
God loves us and He wants to produce this fruit of forbearance in each of us. In Ezekiel 36:26, He says: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Through the working of the Holy Spirit, God wants to purify and refine each of us for His glory. He wants to remove our cold and unforgiving hearts and renew our minds thus increasing our understanding and judgement. In this refinement process, God seeks to develop His fruit of forbearance so that His character can be reflected in the lives of His children.
How can each of us practically show this forbearance that God has shown to us?
Let us seek to answer this question by examining our day-to-day activities. Do you maintain a calm spirit when you’re waiting to enter a building and a disabled person is slowly trying to get in that building ahead of you? How about your listening skills – Are you often quick to speak more than you listen? Do you become angry or judge people who are faced with unfortunate circumstances or do you show kindness?
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12. God continues to exercise His forbearance towards us so let us extend this grace to others.
It is now your season to produce the fruit of forbearance. God wants to create a heart of love, care, and compassion within you. “…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1 -2.
