Gentle Forbearance

Forbearance is good and noble but it requires perseverance and attention. It doesn't come
easily but is commanded by scripture.

When I consider my own shortcomings, it enables me more readily to be long suffering
with compassion. Looking at God's gentle forbearance with me, I am
convicted. There is no one who is worthy of less forbearance than myself. How easy it is to
forget my own shortcomings and the grace and mercy that has been so graciously poured out
upon my life, washing me of my sin. I have often battled with impatience, harshness, and
being critical while walking with others.

1. Mild; meek; soft; bland; not rough, harsh or severe; as a gentle nature, temper or disposition; a gentle manner; a gentle address; a gentle voice.

                                                        3. The exercise of patience; long suffering;                    
{Forbearance:                           indulge those who injure us; delay of resentment or
                                                      
                                                        punishment.


Here is a gentle reminder of the need to walk purely toward others.

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I am sorry for you; but suffering is needful for us. We are sent into the world only to
be purified by dying to our inclinations and to all our own will.

Let self die in you then: you have excellent opportunities for doing so: what a pity to
let them be lost.

I am convinced as you are that the daily rule must not be relaxed in any way; but you
must deal gently with the infirmity of others. You must learn at times to slip quietly over
certain matters, while you need firmness in those which you believe essential.

But remember that true firmness is gentle, humble and tranquil. Anything like sharp,
haughty, and restless firmness is unworthy of God's work. We are told that Wisdom
"sweetly ordereth all things"; do act in the same manner.

If you are ever betrayed into acting harshly, humble yourself immediately without reserve.
Confess that you are wrong manner and in substance keep to your rule.

There is no kind of reading or prayer that would make you die to yourself as much as this
subjection will.
                                                                            Fenelon

1651-1715



But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,

then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated,

full of mercy and good fruits, without

partiality and hypocrisy. And the fruit

of righteousness is sown in peace of

them that make peace.

James 3:17,18