A Book Of Forbearance
A BOOK OF FORBEARANCE
The entire Bible reveals the divine forbear ance. We may even say that the Bible is a book of forbearance and that, as revealed in the Scrip tures, God Himself is forbearance. Hence, if you ask me to define forbearance, I would say firstly that forbearance is God.
CHRIST'S FORBEARANCE
Christ Himself is our forbearance. The four Gospels reveal that the Lord Jesus lived a life of forbearance. He was forbearing with Judas and in His dealings with Peter. When He was twelve years old, He exercised forbearance toward His mother, Mary, and Joseph. In case after case, the Lord displayed understanding, wisdom, patience, mercy, kindness, and love. He was kind toward Judas, and with Peter He was full of grace.
An excellent example of Christ's forbearance toward Peter is found in Matthew 17:24 and 25. Those who received the half-shekel for the poll tax came to Peter and asked, "Does not your teacher pay the half-shekel?" (v. 24). Immediately Peter answered, "Yes." When he came into the house, the Lord Jesus did not rebuke him. Rather, He spoke to him in a way that was full of forbearance.