With all the diversity in the church forbearance is a necessary virtue. Christ calls us to do more than just tolerate and endure – “how long can I put up with this?” – but to actually bear (carry, provided for) the weaknesses of others. The scruples of another are areas where God is still working in their lives. The fact that our Father is still at work in each of us warrants the call to forbearance.
One who genuinely forbears will inevitably edify (build up) by acting to promote
another’s growth in Christian joy and Christ-like character. This requires one to put himself in the position of the other as the Paul said: “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak” (1 Corinthians 9:22). This is precisely what Jesus Christ did for us.
Am I a builder who works with grace,
Measuring life by seeing His face?
Am I shaping lives to the Master’s plan
Patiently investing all I can?
The Church becomes a portrait of Christ’s redemption of us: “accept one another just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). The word “accept” (or welcome) carries the idea of leading one by the hand. So with forbearance and investment we walk with each other Godward (John 17:21; I Peter 3:8).
I encourage you to contemplate the vision statement of Grace…
We are an intentional community of grace that loves God
demonstrated by loving people in a culture of discipleship.
How do I participate in the community of grace?
What is my contribution in developing a culture of discipleship?
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