Power for Relationships:
Bear With… – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Colossians 3:15-17

Key Verse: Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Continuing from yesterday, we see another word that helps us bear with other’s frailties: Sustain.  The literal definition of “bear with” in the Greek language that the apostle wrote in, means to sustain.  Listen to Webster’s definition of sustain: to give support or relief to; to carry or withstand; to bear up under!  Does it make sense to you why this phrase “bear with” is so critical to healthy relationships?

            People around you are going to need you to give support to them and even carry them at times when they act out in unkind ways.  You and I will need the same thing when our frailties show up in a given situation!  I am only human and even as a Christ follower I will show my frailties every so often.  If I am going to enjoy healthy relationships, those around me must expect my failures and support me in spite of them.

            All this doesn’t mean that some frailties are too much to endure.  Physical and sexual abuses are certainly not to be tolerated.  To “bear with” refers to the normal human odd and frustrating habits that everyone will have at times.  As you look at your spouse, children and friends are you in healthy relationships with them?  Is everyone practicing their endurance with each other?  Remember, Christ endures our frailties!

Father, when I start to feel my impatience boiling up inside of me, grant me strength to overcome it with your love and compassion flowing through me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.