The concept of forbearance is an important one in the Bible. At its core, forbearance refers to patient restraint, tolerance, and self-control when under provocation. It is the quality of being able to bear discomfort or difficulties calmly and without complaint or retaliation. The Bible has much to say about the importance of exhibiting forbearance in our relationships with others and in our trials.
Old Testament Teachings on Forbearance
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated as “forbearance” is arek ‘aph, which literally means “long of nose” or “long of anger.” This expresses the idea of slowness to anger and patient endurance in the face of adversity. Some examples of Old Testament teachings on forbearance include:
- Proverbs 19:11 says “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” This emphasizes being slow to anger and letting go of petty offenses.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8 says “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” This encourages patience and humility rather than pride.
- Exodus 34:6 describes God as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” God’s own forbearance serves as an example to us.
- Numbers 14:18 says “The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression.” God does not lose His patience quickly with us.
- Proverbs 14:29 says “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Forbearance is linked to wisdom and self-control.
- Proverbs 16:32 states “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” Mastering one’s internal spirit is more important than external victories.
So we see that the Old Testament wisdom literature praises forbearance as a virtue and part of good character. God Himself models longsuffering patience for us. Developing forbearance leads to greater understanding, self-control, and relational harmony.
New Testament Teachings on Forbearance
In the New Testament, the Greek word translated “forbearance” is makrothumia, which means patience or longsuffering. It is part of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) and a quality Jesus exemplified that Christians are called to emulate. Key New Testament teachings include:
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Patience/forbearance is a virtue produced in believers by the Holy Spirit.
- Colossians 3:12-13 – “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Forbearance is part of living in harmony as God’s people.
- Ephesians 4:2 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Forbearance enables unity and love among Christians.
- Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Endurance and perseverance are needed in the Christian walk.
- James 5:7-8 – “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Patience is commended as we await Christ’s return.
- 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” God patiently waits for more to be saved.
- Romans 2:4 – “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” God’s patience should lead us to repentance.
Jesus Himself perfectly modeled forbearance, even asking God to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). So we see that the New Testament calls believers to exhibit forbearance as one of the fruits of the indwelling Spirit, in order to maintain unity, progress in sanctification, and glorify Christ through our character.
Why Should Christians Practice Forbearance?
There are many reasons why cultivating the quality of forbearance is important for Christians:
- It is part of being Christ-like – Jesus showed perfect patience in enduring sufferings and dealing gently with sinners. We are called to follow His example (1 Peter 2:23).
- It produces unity in the church – Forbearing one another in love enables authentic community (Ephesians 4:2). Lack of patience causes dissension.
- It is part of the fruit of the Spirit – As we walk in the Spirit, forbearance should naturally grow in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
- It is necessary for spiritual growth – Hardships and trials require patient endurance to produce maturity (James 1:2-4).
- It defuses anger and conflict – The Bible tells us repeatedly to be slow to anger (James 1:19). Forbearance prevents disputes.
- It is wise and admirable – Scripture links forbearance with understanding, self-control, and strength (Proverbs 14:29, 16:32).
- It reflects God’s own patience – We are called to mirror God’s forbearance with us, by bearing with others (Colossians 3:13).
- It gives time for repentance – Forbearance allows others space to see their sin and change (Romans 2:4).
- It follows Christ’s command to forgive – Forbearance enables us to forgive others just as God forgave us (Colossians 3:13).
- It serves as a witness – Our patience can point others to Christ. As ambassadors for Christ, exhibiting forbearance commends the Gospel.
Forbearance protects our Christian witness, unity, relationships, and ongoing growth in holiness. Patiently enduring wrongs and difficulties demonstrates the supernatural work of the Spirit in our lives.
How Can Christians Increase in Forbearance?
Growing in forbearance requires prayer, effort, and discipline over time. Here are some practical tips for increasing in Christ-like forbearance:
- Regularly meditate on Bible verses about patience and longsuffering to renew your mindset (Psalm 37:7-9, James 5:7-11, 2 Peter 3:9).
- Examine your heart and ask God to reveal areas where you lack patience or easily anger.
- Confess and repent of impatience, anger issues, and lack of self-control.
- Ask God through prayer to increase patience, gentleness, and humility in your life (Colossians 1:11).
- Predetermine your response – decide not to retaliate or angrily defend yourself.
- Remind yourself of Christ’s patient endurance and forgiveness when provoked.
- Cultivate understanding of others’ weaknesses and circumstances that may explain behavior.
- Thank God for the trials that test and develop patience (James 1:2-4).
- Deal with anger Biblically – channel it constructively, not destructively (Ephesians 4:26).
- Avoid those who incite your anger or are argumentative (Proverbs 20:3).
- Restrain angry speech and be quick to listen (Ecclesiastes 7:9, James 1:19).
- Respond gently and leave room for repentance (Galatians 6:1).
- Pray for and do good to those who mistreat you (Luke 6:27-28).
Forbearance ultimately comes from the Spirit’s work in our hearts. But we have a responsibility to cultivate this fruit through intentional effort and reliance on God’s grace at work within us.
Examples of Forbearance in the Bible
Many biblical figures exemplify patience, longsuffering, and restraint in trying circumstances. Their examples both instruct and inspire us:
- Moses – Despite Israel’s frequent complaining and rebellion, Moses responded with remarkable forbearance, interceding for them (Exodus 32:11–14, Numbers 14:13–19).
- David – When wrongly pursued by Saul, David refused to retaliate against the Lord’s anointed but instead waited patiently for deliverance (1 Samuel 24:1-22, 26:7-25).
- Joseph – After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph patiently endured injustice and even forgave and showed compassion to his brothers years later (Genesis 37, 42:7).
- Job – After losing everything, Job did not curse God but instead bore his suffering patiently (Job 1:20–22).
- Stephen – While being stoned to death, Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of his killers (Acts 7:54–60).
- Paul – Paul patiently endured beatings, imprisonment, persecution, and hardship to advance the Gospel (2 Corinthians 6:3-10, 11:23-28).
- Jesus – Jesus suffered unjustly without retaliation and asked God to forgive those crucifying Him (1 Peter 2:23, Luke 23:34).
These examples of persevering through trials, practicing self-restraint, and extending forgiveness challenge us to greater patience and forbearance.
Bible Verses on Forbearance for Meditation
Here are some key Bible verses on forbearance that are worth memorizing and meditating on:
- “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
- “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” – Proverbs 16:32
- “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4
- “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:3
- “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
- “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” – 1 Peter 4:15-16
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:43-45
- “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
- “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
- “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20
Prayers for Forbearance
One important step in growing in forbearance is to regularly pray for God to develop this fruit in your life. Here are some sample prayers for patience and self-control you can pray:
- “Lord, grant me patience and strength to bear unpleasantness and trials. Help me endure mistreatment without anger or thought of revenge. Enable me to forgive as you forgave me.”
- “Jesus, you perfectly demonstrated patience in suffering unjustly for me. Empower me by your Spirit to reflect your gentleness, restraint, and mercy to those around me.”
- “Father, reveal to me any ways I lack patience or easily lose my temper. Forgive me when I fail to exhibit self-control and forbearance. Grow your patience in my heart.”
- “Holy Spirit, when I face offense and injury, fill me with love and perspective to respond as Christ did, with grace. Produce patience in me through every difficulty I face today.”
- “Lord, help me to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to anger. When provoked, may I turn to you in prayer rather than retaliate.”
- “God, make me more like Christ each day. Shape my thoughts, words, and actions to reflect His perfect patience and compassion.”
- “Lord, work patience and gentleness into my character. Enable me to endure distress and persecutions like Paul, unto your glory.”
- “Father, grow patience in me so that through endurance I may have hope, be an ambassador for Christ, and see others come to repentance.”
Consistently praying these types of prayers asking God to develop forbearance in your life is a key part of the process of becoming more patient and longsuffering.
Conclusion
The Bible has a great deal to say about the importance of forbearance. Forbearance means patient restraint from anger and tolerant endurance of hardship. Old Testament wisdom literature extols forbearance as the way of understanding, self-control, and peace. In the New Testament, forbearance is part of the fruit of the Spirit and essential for unity within the church. Jesus perfectly modeled patient endurance of unjust suffering. Forbearance enables us to forgive others, is necessary for spiritual growth, reflects Christ to the world, and gives time for repentance. Examples such as Moses, David, Job, Stephen, Paul and Jesus inspire us to develop greater forbearance amidst trials and conflict. Memorizing key verses on patience and praying for God to grow this fruit within us are key steps to increasing in Christ-like forbearance in all our relationships and circumstances.
