Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

This may be one of the hardest and most challenging commands to follow. I am called to bear with others as I live and serve in the community of believers, known as the church.

This makes me think about how toddlers treat a patient, family dog. They pull her tail, jump on her, try to ride her, step on her feet, etc. And the dog puts up with it all, for at least a couple of reasons: 1) She enjoys the gifts the children have — which bring fun and excitement and they play with her, and 2) she somehow instinctively understands the children will grow and have potential for greater things.

Maybe the dog will be able to hunt, go on long runs, go camping, and just be an animal friend to these kids after they mature. She will be able to help protect them and care for them as they care for her.

Bearing with each other involves a similar experience. I’m called to put up with people’s different personalities, passions, dreams, and desires. To bear with others in the hard times, looking forward to and enjoying the good times. And to love well! I must forgive others of the bites, stomps, and testing my patience; like a dog getting her tail pulled time and time again.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times [or seventy times seven].’” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬-‭22‬)

If I am getting close to 490 times of forgiving someone, I must remember, Jesus’ use of this analogy was to represent an infinite number. I am to keep forgiving until I lose count or stop counting. That is how God forgives me.

Lord, give me humility and strength of character to be patient with others, bearing with them and forgiving them. Teach me to love more and more without expecting love in return. Help me to simply rely on your great love for me!