Forbearing one another in love
“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”Ephesians 4:2-3
Reflection
Paul writes to a church made up of Jews and Gentiles, people of very different origins, cultures and customs, and asks something quite realistic: "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." He does not presume that Christian living together is easy or automatic. The church is made of imperfect people, and where there are people there are differences, friction and irritations. The word "forbearing" indicates this: something in the other bothers us, and we choose to carry it with love.
Notice the three qualities that precede forbearance: lowliness, meekness and longsuffering. They are the conditions for good coexistence. Lowliness reminds us that we too are flawed and that others also put up with our quirks. Meekness moderates our response when we are provoked. Longsuffering gives time for people to change, for things to be resolved, for love to mature. Without these three, forbearance becomes merely enduring with suppressed anger. With them, it becomes practical love, which sacrifices for the other.
And the goal is beautiful: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace". Note that the unity is "of the Spirit": we do not create it, it is His gift. Our responsibility is to "keep" it, that is, protect, care for, not spoil. And "the bond of peace" suggests a cord that unites different people. A church (or family, or work group) is not held together by similarities, but by peace actively cultivated. Where no one keeps the peace, unity comes undone by itself.
Think today of a person who demands patience from you: a relative, a colleague, a brother or sister from church. Instead of complaining about them, consciously practice these three attitudes: lowliness (I have flaws too), meekness (I will answer calmly) and longsuffering (I will give time). Pray for that person by name. Ask: what can I do today to keep unity? An apology, a gesture of kindness, a word of honor. Bonds are kept by these small daily cares.
Prayer
Lord, give me humility, meekness and patience to live in love with the people You have placed near me. Help me to bear what bothers me without bitterness, and to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Bless those who test me, and make me a blessing to them. Amen.
Put it into practice
Choose a person who tests your patience and practice humility, meekness and patience with them today. Pray for that person by name and, if possible, make a concrete gesture of kindness.
To reflect on
Who around you demands the most patience from you, and what small gesture can you make today to keep unity with that person?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).