What Does Forbearance Mean in the Bible?
If you’ve ever wondered what forbearance means in the Bible, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you a basic understanding of the word and its meaning. It is the holding back of wrath that is indicative of God’s kindness and mercy. It refers to the delaying of God’s righteous judgment on sin.
God’s longsuffering
Longsuffering and forbearance are characteristics of God. Scriptures emphasize God’s longsuffering toward His people. But this does not mean He is slow to anger. Longsuffering does not mean He is slow to manifest anger. The Hebrew word for longsuffering is “arek aph.”
God’s longsuffering is the perfect manifestation of His mercy and love. This mercy is a reassurance for those who suffer. It shows that God wills the final perfection of His people in Christ through the suffering of His people.
God’s mercy
The Word “mercy” comes from the Latin word “misericordia,” which has the same root as the words “pity” and “heart.” Both are related to suffering. Mercy is the response of God to sin and His loving kindness is evidenced by his patient endurance of mankind’s sins.
God’s forbearance is the opposite of His wrath, which the wicked owe Him. Those who refuse God’s mercy are vessels of wrath, destined to be destroyed forever. When people refuse His mercy and forgiveness, God removes His protecting hand.
God’s kindness
God’s kindness and forbearance are aimed at drawing sinners to repentance. But self-righteous sinners often miscalculate God’s goodness and mercy. Paul explains the peril of ignoring God’s warnings. The purpose of God’s kindness is to bring all sinners to repentance.
The Bible describes God’s kindness and forbearance in Romans 2:4. The kind treatment we receive from God leads us to repentance.
God’s longsuffering in delaying rightful judgment
The purpose of God’s forbearance is to lead people to repentance and eternal salvation. He wants them to repent even when they are old, and to hear the gospel message. Jesus, the Lamb of God, paid the penalty for sin so that God would not have to.
While the Bible teaches that God can delay judgment, it doesn’t say when this longsuffering will end. Mercy, in contrast, endures forever and never comes to an end. Therefore, God’s longsuffering may be a sign that God is setting us up for a calling, or that He is delaying the answer to a prayer.
Synonyms of forbearance
The Bible uses many different words to describe forbearance. These words include patience, clemency, endurance, and mildness. In the New King James version of the Bible, forbearance is also used as a synonym of pardon. The definition of forbearance in the Bible is similar to our own, but it goes a step further.
While lightfoot uses forbearance, Hastings prefers to use the words gentleness and sweet reasonableness. While gentleness and forbearance are passive virtues, considerateness is an active virtue. It is the spirit of every believer who understands that their Lord is near.
Examples of forbearance in the bible
In the Bible, there are several examples of forbearance. In Exodus 34:6-7, for example, the Bible describes forbearance as a good characteristic. It includes such traits as mercy, grace, and longsuffering. It also includes virtues such as goodness, truth, and forgiveness.
The Bible teaches us to forbear when we are faced with difficult situations or people. When faced with forbearance, we can respond to God in the way that he wants us to. Abigail is an excellent example of forbearance in the Bible. She prayed patiently for her husband, Samuel, in 1 Samuel 25:2-3.
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