Mission Venture Ministries

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. (Colossians 3:12-13) 

Paul understood the nearly impossible challenge of developing a peaceful, harmonious coexistence among human beings—between slaves and masters, between Jews and Gentiles, between rich and poor. For the church to truly be the body of Christ on earth, a genuine spiritual transformation must take place within the hearts and lives of its members. 

Christ-honoring fellowship is only possible when believers bear with one another in a spirit of love. Bearing with one another implies a willingness to put up with differences, abuses whether intentional or not, and offenses caused by other brothers and sisters in Christ. It is an essential virtue in God’s family. Believers are called to take this idea even one step further by forgiving whatever grievances they may have against each other. Just as the Lord forgives us, we are to forgive others (Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus Christ is our example in bearing with one another and demonstrating forgiveness (Colossians 2:13). 

Paul continues by stating that “in addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:14). On any given day, we may encounter frustrating people and situations, such as a mischievous child, uncooperative coworker, a disgruntled customer or anything else. We might feel like lashing out, but God wants us to stay calm and be patient with everyone. We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Scripture has a number of things to say about believers developing this important attribute. 

First, it is our calling. God exhorts us to be tolerant, gentle, and bear one another’s burdens – “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). 

Second, the Lord has set an example for us: He demonstrated patience toward Peter’s actions, the crowd’s demands, and the religious leaders’ false accusations. We should aspire to do the same; therefore, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:11-12). 

Third, we should recognize how damaging impatience is, since it can hurt others and close off the exchange of ideas and the sharing of God’s word. Responding calmly gives people room to confess their mistakes, become aware of their wrong attitude, and to make changes. 

Patience is part of the spiritual fruit that increasingly develops as we are conformed to Christ’s image (Galatian 5:22-23). When we rely on the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to have patience through moments of waiting and provocation—without becoming defensive. A calm demeanor in times of adversity can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God. 

Since God’s nature is to be tolerant, gracious, and patient with us, we must be the same with others. As we cast off the old sinful self and put on the holy attributes of God, we are transformed into His image. We become “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). 

Only when we “let the peace that comes from Christ” rule in our hearts can we bear with one another and live in unity as we are called to do as members of one body to rule in your hearts; and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15). 

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:5-7). Remember that our readiness to accept one another with patience and to live together in peace and harmony brings praise and glory to God. 

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