Ephesians 4:2 uses the clause. We who are Christians should live “forbearing one another” in love. But what does that mean?
The older folks used that word more often than we do, “to forebear.” I looked at an 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster’s in fact. He defined “forbearance” as: “the exercise of patience; long suffering; indulgence towards those who injure us; being lenient; delay of resentment or punishment.”
Wow!
He furthermore lists: “command of one’s temper; restraint of his or her passions.”
This is interesting.
The Greek verb translated “forbearing” is “anecho.” It means “to hold” (echo) “up” (ana) under a set of rather difficult circumstances! Not to explode in temper! Not to “kick someone out” of you life, not quickly anyway.
The word is used 15 times in the New Testament, best I can locate.
The first 3 appearances of “anecho” occur in the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus being the Speaker. In fact, it’s the same event, just recorded 3 different times.
The lack of faith is everywhere evident as Jesus heals a Daddy’s little demon-possessed boy. And our Lord asks: “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and SUFFER you? Bring thy son hither.” I’m using Luke 9:41, but Matthew 17:17 and Mark 9:19 say virtually the same thing. Jesus continued to live in an unbelieving world … just to help folks like this man. Needy … but ignorant.
Then Paul, in 1st Corinthians 4:12 talks about “suffering” persecution, just meaning “putting up with it,” without grumbling! How could he have avoided it anyway? Short of denying the Gospel! “Making the best of a less-than-ideal situation!” That’s forbearance!
Colossians 3:3 uses “anecho” clearly, presenting us a good example of the verb in practice. “FORBEARING one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” It is here a synonym to “forgiving.” Arguing less! Not contentious! Now this helps a lot, very illuminating.
In 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 “anecho” is translated (KJV) “endure.” Paul encouraging the Believers in Thessalonica: “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye ENDURE.” Wow, usually that Greek verb would have been related to the more common “hupomone” stem.
One more illustration from the New Testament. “For the time will come when they will not ENDURE (anecho) sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” 2nd Timothy 4:3
Well, “anecho” is furthermore used of our Heavenly Father Himself in Romans 3:25. There is mentioned word for word the “forbearance of God!”
We are to exhibit a trait He uses, the Almighty God of the universe.
Back to our Text, which I never shared in full: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, FORBEARING one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3, giving a fuller context.
We must not (as Christians) get exasperated with each other.
We must learn to better (in good spirit) “put up” with one another.
Tolerate one another.
Not get upset with each other, not so easily.
Amazing, this concept will preach!
Until Monday, my friends in Christ, when we will (the Lord willing) examine yet another “one another” verse from the New Testament.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell