Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Sharee Gaiser shares on forbearance, a graceful reflection of God’s mercy.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (Colossians 3:13 NIV).

It wasn’t the first time I’d walked away feeling sad after a catch-up with a friend. I’d again opened the door of my soul to share one of my deepest fears. My friend laughed, calling me foolish for feeling like I did. Instead of compassion and understanding, I felt the sting of criticism and vowed not to share my feelings with her again.

Forgiving someone the first time they hurt us might be easy, but it becomes more complicated when the hurt is repeated. Frustration and impatience consume us until we realize we also need grace, especially when navigating relationships and their challenges.

Forbearance is a powerful biblical concept that goes beyond patience. It’s a conscious decision to bear with others in love, even when it’s tough or we feel justified in reacting differently. Forbearance is deeply connected to mercy, compassion, and grace. Instead of responding with judgment, forbearance extends kindness, understanding, and tolerance.

In Colossians 3:13, Paul encourages us to put on forbearance in our relationships. This isn’t about merely tolerating others but actively choosing forgiveness and compassion, even when it’s hard. God constantly models this for us. He could easily judge or punish us for our wrongs, but instead, He offers grace, inviting us into a loving relationship that transforms our hearts and lives.

Forbearance doesn’t mean we allow harmful behavior to continue. It’s about responding with grace and truth instead of bitterness, showing mercy even when wronged. Just as God is patient with us, waiting for our hearts to turn toward Him, we, too, are called to extend that same patience to others.

Forbearance isn’t passive. It’s an intentional choice to extend mercy and compassion. It can be tough, especially when we feel our frustrations are justified. Practicing this grace daily reflects God’s love through patience, self-control, and forgiveness, creating space for reconciliation and healing that can restore and transform the most challenging relationships.

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