Devotional
So, one more key that would help us to follow peace with all men is forbearance. We must learn to forbear one another in love. Forbearance is a virtue. It seemingly means making allowance for each other’s fault. When we forbear one another in love, we don’t just forgive each other’s offence, but rather we make allowance for the excesses, accepting each other’s faults and shortcomings (Phil 2:2). It’s just the reverse of forgiveness; we tend to forgive when we’re offended, but in forbearance, we’ve had the intention to forgive even before we’re offended. And I love what the apostle Paul said in Ephesians 4:1-2,
Key Scripture
I, therefore… beseech that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love,Ephesians 4:1-2 KJV
Refreshing for the Day
To put these verses in perspective, Paul was encouraging the people to be forbearing. So, beloved, don’t wait for someone to offend you before you forgive, learn to forgive even before you’re offended. And when you found you are having resentment against someone, deal with it immediately and let go. Don’t stuff it down inside you. You see, little things become giants in our lives when we refused to deal with it. Then, before we know it, we’re resentful people, fighting each other (1 Cor 3:3) …going to church every week, but not acting any different than the people of the world. Stay Refreshed!
Note This
Nothing kills and stalls a man’s destiny like resentment. It’s a leper that destroys the peace among the spouses, friends and even brethren. So, be careful of it.
Responsibility
Go to God in prayer, ask him to help you and give you the grace that no matter what, to follow peace with all men.
Pause in His presence
Prayer
O LORD, help my life. Cause me to follow peace with all men, in the name of Jesus’ Amen! (Go ahead and pray for other intentions as the Spirit leads)
Carry this with you
Prophetic Word
May the Lord help you and cause you to follow peace with all men, in the name of Jesus’ Amen!
Bible Texts
Eph 4:1-2, Rom 12:18, Phil 2:2