Forbearing One Another

Ephesians 4:2
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”

Forbearance is one of the most overlooked Christian virtues, yet one of the most necessary. To forbear means to endure patiently, to tolerate weakness without resentment, and to remain committed even when others make relationship difficult. Paul presents forbearance not as an option, but as a mark of spiritual maturity.

Notice the context: lowliness, meekness, and longsuffering. Forbearance flows from humility. It recognizes that others are works in progress—just like we are. Revival teaches us to extend the same grace we depend on daily.

Modern culture encourages quick separation. If relationships become inconvenient or uncomfortable, we withdraw. Scripture calls us to something deeper. The church is not built on perfect compatibility, but on covenant commitment. Forbearance keeps unity intact while God does His sanctifying work.

Forbearing one another does not mean ignoring sin or avoiding truth. It means we refuse to weaponize imperfections or keep score. It means we choose patience over pressure and love over irritation. Revival restores this kind of relational endurance.

Longsuffering love slows us down. It gives people room to grow, repent, and mature. God is patient with us beyond measure—revival awakens us to mirror that patience toward others.

Ask yourself today: who has God called you to forbear with right now? Whose weaknesses test your patience? Revival grows strongest where grace is practiced most intentionally.

Forbearance is not weakness. It is strength under control, love under pressure, and grace on display.