'Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another' Colossians 3:13
When my mum remarried again after being a widow for five years, the family friend who spoke at her wedding gave her and my new step-father a pair of ornamental bears. They were small and looked rather cross with each other. They were given to sit on the mantel-piece as a daily reminder that in marriage we are called to 'bear' with one another.
But it's not just in marriage, any of our relationships may challenge us to 'bear' with the irritating characteristics of a fellow human being.
Think about your relationships today. With whom are you most likely to feel irritated or unloving? Who is it that can take you from 'Nought to Screaming' in 20 seconds? How might you improve the relationship between you and that person today?
Here are two suggestions: firstly reflect soberly on the fact that you are not perfect, you probably drive other people bonkers in your own unique way. Secondly remind yourself that you are only responsible for your side of whatever difficult relationship you experience. Paul advises us wisely that we should live in peace with all men (and women) but he realistically adds 'if it is possible, as far as it depends on you' (Romans 12:18). In other words we can only do our part. We should not beat ourselves up over people who refuse to live in peace with us but merely do the best that we can to respond lovingly to them.
Pray today for those people who trouble you in any kind of way. But don't just pray for them, pray also for yourself that you will have the grace and strength to bear with them patiently.
Sheila Bridge
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