“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)

           In this scripture it commands us to “bear with” by making allowances for each other’s faults.  This means not focusing on the things that bug you, irritate you, that could cause you frustration toward another person.

           I once had a woman come to me complaining about her husband and all the things that irritated her.  The way he squeezed the toothpaste, the way he never put the toilet seat down, the way he chewed his food on and on she complained.  

I asked, “Does he do anything good?” She responded, “Well he is a wonderful man, so kind and considerate, I love him very much.”  I said, “Instead of focusing on the little things that bug you, focus on all the things you love about him.  Daily, throughout the day, tell him how much you appreciate him and love him.”  She replied, “Fine but I don’t know what good it will do!”  

About a month later I saw her in the grocery store and asked,“How are things going with your husband?” She said, “Wonderful, I am so blessed. You know I doubted what you told me to do.  And all those little things I used to complain about seemed to have disappeared once I started focusing on all the good things he does.”

Bear with each other and forgive—make allowances.  This scripture calls for active, gracious patience and the release of grudges, mirroring Christ’s mercy in all ou rrelationships.  It is learning to focus on the positive toward one another, not the negative.  It is something for us to remember in all our relationships.  God Bless.  Amen.

denise