Section 4
explain what it is, we sense as we read this verse that forbearance is the only word which is fitting in this verse.
When Paul says that we should make our forbearance known to all men, he indicates the fullness of our forbearance. A forbearance which can be made known to all is not a limited or par tial forbearance; it is the fullness of forbearance.
If we would understand the meaning of for bearance, we should not turn to books of philos ophy or ethics. Instead, we need to turn to the Bible and seek to learn from the Scriptures the significance of forbearance in 4:5. As we have seen, this must be an expression of Christ. First Paul charges us to make our forbearance known to all men. Realizing that we are not able to do this, he goes on to say, "I can do all things in Him who empowers me." This indicates that for bearance is at least part of the expression of Christ. That forbearance is related to the expres sion of Christ becomes even more clear when we consider 4:5 in the context of the whole book of Philippians. In 1:20 and 21 Paul speaks of mag nifying Christ and living Him. Certainly, mak ing our forbearance known must involve living Christ and magnifying Him. This means that our forbearance must be the very Christ we live and