SWEEPING WRONGS UNDER THE RUG

„Showing forbearance to one another in love”

(Ephesians 4,2)

It is likely that you did not hear the word “forbearance” being used around you recently. Looking up the meaning of the word explains the reasons for the silence. These are the definitions of forbearance: “tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; a delay in enforcing rights or claims or privileges; refraining from acting”. Another usage goes like this: “the act of a creditor who refrains from enforcing a debt when it falls due”. Once the practice is out use there is no reason to stick with the word.

No matter what the world does, believers are commanded to practice forbearance to one another. The Greek expression translated as “showing forbearance” actually means “suppressing something with silence”. In this context it conveys the idea of throwing a blanket over those things that would be obstacles to healthy relationships. Guess what! – a certain kind of „sweeping of the sins under the rug”, is commanded by the Scriptures.

In Proverbs we read, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions” (10,12). In certain situations forbearance is the only option for lovingly maintain a relationship. As the apostle teaches, there is place for this kind of love in our churches. The obstacles to the relationship need to be covered inside of us, so that we are enabled to relate in spite the wrongs done to us.

This is how God relates to you and me.

Lord, confessing my unworthiness of your love, I thank you for sending Christ to die for me. Help me to love others; even my enemies. My desire is to show forbearance to others in love. Amen.