Section 8
In John 11 we see the Lord's forbearance with Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus. Instead of acting in haste, when He heard that Lazarus was sick, the Lord deliberately delayed. Through this delay others were exposed. In dealing with this situation the Lord exercised much under standing, wisdom, consideration, mercy, and kind ness. Eventually there was a great supply of life manifested in the resurrection of Lazarus.
PAUL'S FORBEARANCE
Paul's life was also a testimony of forbearance. He wrote the book of Philippians from a prison in Rome. Paul was suffering and, according to chapter four, he was short of supply and in want. Among all the churches, the church in Philippi was the best in caring for Paul's needs. But for some reason, according to the Lord's sovereignty, there was a period of time when the Philippians seemingly forgot Paul and his need. But even though Paul was suffering imprisonment, perse cution, attack, negligence, and the lack of supply, he still exercised forbearance and could declare, "I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be