Praise the Lord! Friends, there’s a kind of strength the world can’t copy. It’s not found in muscles or money – it’s found in the quiet soul that refuses to break when tested. It’s the strength of forbearance and patience, those twin virtues that mirror the very heart of God.
The world applauds speed, reaction, and revenge. But God calls us to something higher – to hold steady when wronged, to wait when weary, to forgive when wounded.
This is not weakness. This is victory through surrender.
This is the strength that overcomes evil with good.
This is Christ in us, the hope of glory.
Brethren, hear me: if we do not learn to endure, we cannot reign. If we do not learn to forbear, we cannot reflect His mercy. And if we do not learn to wait, we cannot walk in His will.
So let’s open the Word together and see what God says about these two divine qualities: Forbearance and Patience – different in expression, yet united in purpose – to shape us into the image of Christ.
Definition and Distinction: Two Virtues, One Spirit
Praise be to God, the Bible teaches us that forbearance and patience are not the same, though they flow from the same Spirit.
Forbearance is the grace to deal with difficult people or offenses without retaliating. It’s restraint wrapped in compassion. It’s the choice to respond like Christ, not react like the flesh. “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
Patience, on the other hand, is steadfast trust in God’s timing when life seems slow, uncertain, or painful. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4).
Forbearance faces the offender.
Patience faces the obstacle.
One says, “I forgive you.”
The other says, “I’ll wait for God.”
Both require humility. Both reveal Christ.
Forbearance: The Heartbeat of God’s Mercy
Friends, forbearance is mercy in motion. It’s God’s nature flowing through us. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8).
When we choose forbearance, we are choosing the heart of God. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44). That’s not natural – it’s supernatural.
Forbearance refuses to fight flesh with flesh. It remembers that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). It’s the power to endure insult and still speak peace. It’s the grace to forgive the ungrateful and bless the undeserving, just as God has done for us.
Praise the Lord, for He shows us the way. When Christ was nailed to the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That was forbearance at its highest.
Patience: Trusting God When You Can’t See the End
Now let’s talk about patience, that steady strength that says, “I will wait for the Lord.”
When God promised Abraham a son, the years passed – but his faith didn’t fade. “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6:15). Abraham learned that God’s promises may be delayed, but they are never denied.
Then there’s Job, who sat among ashes, his world in ruins, yet declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). That’s patience – the kind that refuses to quit when life hurts.
Patience doesn’t mean standing still; it means standing firm. It means trusting God’s process even when your prayers seem unanswered. “For still the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3).
Patience whispers, “God is working even when I can’t see it.”
Forbearance and Patience in Action
Praise be to God, Scripture gives us examples not to admire, but to imitate.
- Jesus showed forbearance when He prayed for His persecutors.
- God showed patience when Israel rebelled yet He did not destroy them.
- Abraham waited decades for a promise fulfilled in Isaac.
- Job endured loss and came out refined like gold.
Each of these lives tells one story – God rewards endurance.
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
Practical Steps: How to Walk in Both
So how do we live this out in a world that runs on pride and quick reactions?
- Forgive before you’re asked. Let grace lead. Remember, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
- Pray when provoked. Don’t lash out. Seek the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
- Trust when tired. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
- Remember God’s patience with you. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward” (2 Peter 3:9).
- Be gentle in conflict. “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5).
When you live like this, your life preaches louder than your words.
Conclusion: The Fruit of the Spirit in You
Praise the Lord, friends – God’s Spirit is not idle within us. He produces this very fruit: “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Galatians 5:22).
When we walk in forbearance, we show mercy. When we walk in patience, we show trust. Together they form a testimony that says, “Christ lives in me.”
So let’s rise above offense. Let’s wait through the storm. Let’s forgive, endure, and believe – because our God is worth waiting for, and His mercy is worth reflecting.
Call to Action: The Question That Demands an AnswerIn Acts 2:37 Peter and the Apostles were asked the question – What Shall We do? And in Acts 2:38 Peter answered, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Do you understand this? After hearing the gospel and believing, they asked what should would do. The answer hasn’t changed friend, Peter clearly gave the answer. The question for you today is, Have you receieved the Holy Spirit Since you believed? If you’re ready to take that step, or you want to learn more about what it means to be born again of water and Spirit, visit: Come, and let the Spirit make you new. |
