FORBEARANCE by H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 17, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 51.

FORBEARANCE

By H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins

How often little trifling matters arise in our every-day affairs that tend to fret and annoy one. Some friend or member of the family has said or done something that does not exactly accord with our idea of things, whether we are always right or wrong in our view of the matter. David says in Ps. 37:1, 7: “Fret not thyself because of evil-doers.” “Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”

Some may hold to habits we know are not right they may not sense the sinfulness of them, or perhaps they want their own way in the matter. But should we not learn to bear with their errors, when Jesus has borne so long and patiently with our frailties? Undoubtedly they too are striving to overcome their defect, and are we not placed in this world to help one another? If we give up to others when it is right we should (and we certainly can if we let self go), would they not be more apt to notice their defect and avoid it the next time temptation came? Besides, we can lift our heart upward, asking God to give them grace to enable them to discover the fault; there we can let it rest, believing the blessed Redeemer can master it far better than we are able to do. To be constantly finding fault with one about a mistake will only vex and cause hardness. At the same time we can learn the lesson of letting “patience have her perfect work.”

Instead of permitting feelings of hardness and coldness to come between us, just because we do not view things alike, we can be forbearing and take things in a kindly spirit. Those in error can not help noticing the good spirit manifested toward them in return for their harshness. “A meek and quiet spirit . . . is in the sight of God of great price.” Let us cherish it, and thus let the small, unpleasant, and often trying things we see and hear be kept within; avoid doing anything to shadow the pathway of your fellow beings. There can be happiness on both sides, and how many broken friendships might thus be saved.

The best way to correct a person is to build up and encourage his love for the perfect and noble and true. Then all the rest will follow naturally and easily. Another good way to help one overcome his defects is to talk to God a great deal more than we do to the person himself.

Our heavenly Father stands ready and willing to accomplish great things for those who yield up all to Him, and thus give Him an opportunity to work in them and through them.

H. E. SAWYER-HOPKINS.