Relationships thrives in an atmosphere of forbearance. Forbearance enables us to exercise restraint and avoid retaliation or a desire to get even with someone who has offended us. Forbearance prepares the way for forgiveness. Forbearance is showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity. It is being slow to retaliate or express resentment. It is the virtue of being patient with others. It is having a disposition to be merciful or lenient while waiting for change. Forbearance is a vital part of agape love. When humility, forbearance, and love—are gone, everyone goes to the four winds because they can't put up with each other. They find reasons to be offended, and they scatter. It doesn't mean you put up with evil for long, it means you give somebody a chance to change. If we learn to forebear, then it will be easier to forgive.
Ephesians 4:2-3,31-32; Colossians 3:12-14; Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 13:7; Matthew 6:15; Mark11:25; Matthew 5:23-24.