Ephesians 4:2-6Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (NIV)
Boy sometimes this seems such a hard thing to do, doesn't it - to bear with someone else? That's a nice way (when you are having a hard time with this concept) of saying to put up with them. BUT I find it interesting that the responsibility is fully placed on us to bear with that other person. It doesn't give us the allowances we wish for. "But you just don't know how much I have had to put up with in dealing with this person!" Boy I have at least thought this countless times, and many times I go ahead and say it. But God calls me to be Patient, humble and gentle. God doesn't even let me off the hook at that, He calls me to make EVERY EFFORT to keep unity through the bond of peace. That is so hard for me sometimes because I am so sinful. But I know that God's way is best and if I obey Him He can bless me, so I will try to do as He has called me to. What is neat is that I am a bear to deal with too so maybe you can bear with me in love too!
