40 Powerful Forbearance Bible Verse

Patience is a virtue, but forbearance goes even deeper, it’s the ability to endure and show restraint even in the face of injustice, provocation, or difficulty. The Bible is rich with wisdom on forbearance, offering encouragement, instruction, and comfort for those seeking to grow in this essential quality. In this post, you’ll find 40 powerful forbearance Bible verse selections, each reminding us of the importance of self-control, mercy, and love.

We’ll also take a closer look at what forbearance means in the Bible and share examples of forbearance in the Bible that illustrate its significance in the life of a believer.

What Is Forbearance in the Bible?

Forbearance, in the biblical context, is the gracious and patient endurance of hardship, offense, or provocation without seeking revenge or becoming bitter. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is closely connected with love, humility, and mercy.

Forbearance involves a conscious choice to restrain anger, forgive others, and maintain peace. It is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual maturity and strength. Just as God shows forbearance toward humanity, we are called to show it toward one another.

Biblical Definition of Forbearance

• Greek word: “anochē” (ἀνοχή) – meaning “tolerance,” “self-restraint,” or “holding back judgment.”
• Hebrew word: “arek appayim” – often translated as “slow to anger,” describing God’s long-suffering nature.

Examples of Forbearance in the Bible

Scripture offers numerous examples of individuals who exhibited forbearance, often under extreme circumstances:

1. Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the ultimate example of forbearance. Despite being mocked, beaten, and crucified, He did not retaliate. Instead, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

2. Joseph

• Sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph chose forgiveness over revenge. When he later had power over them, he wept and reassured them of his love and protection (Genesis 50:20-21).

3. David and Saul

• David spared King Saul’s life even when he had the chance to kill him. Despite being hunted like a criminal, David refrained from harming God’s anointed (1 Samuel 24:10-12).

4. Stephen the Martyr

• As he was being stoned to death, Stephen asked God not to hold the sin against his killers (Acts 7:60).

These examples reveal how forbearance is both a powerful testimony and an act of faith.

40 Powerful Forbearance Bible Verse

Below are 40 carefully selected Bible verses that emphasize forbearance:

God’s Forbearance Toward Us

1. Romans 2:4 – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

2. Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

3. Exodus 34:6 – “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

4. 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise… He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

5. Nahum 1:3 – “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”

Forbearance as a Fruit of the Spirit

6. Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

7. Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another… forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

8. Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

9. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

10. Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

Dealing With Others in Forbearance

11. James 1:19-20 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

12. Matthew 5:39 – “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

13. Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

14. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

15. Luke 6:27-28 – “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Additional Forbearance Bible Verse

16. Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”

17. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”

18. Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

19. Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

20. Romans 5:3-4 – “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

21. James 5:7-8 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.”

22. 2 Timothy 2:24 – “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

23. Psalm 37:7-9 – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”

24. Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him… it is good to wait quietly.”

25. Isaiah 30:18 – “The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.”

26. Matthew 18:21-22 – “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.'”

27. Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”

28. Luke 8:15 – “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”

29. Mark 13:13 – “Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

30. John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

31. Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.”

32. Titus 3:2 – “To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

33. Philippians 4:5 – “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

34. Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”

35. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”

36. Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

37. Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

38. 2 Corinthians 6:4-6 – “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way… in purity, understanding, patience and kindness.”

39. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good.”

40. Job 6:11 – “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What prospects, that I should be patient?”

How to Develop Forbearance Spiritually

If you are struggling to exhibit forbearance, you are not alone. Here are some spiritual practices to help you develop this grace:

• Prayer and Meditation – Ask the Holy Spirit to develop the fruit of forbearance in you.
• Scripture Study – Meditate on each forbearance Bible verse to build inner strength.
• Practice Forgiveness – Release offenses and choose peace.
• Accountability – Have a spiritual mentor or friend to walk with you in grace.
• Reflect on God’s Patience with You – When you realize how much God has endured with you, it becomes easier to be patient with others.

Conclusion

As believers, we are called to reflect the heart of Christ—and forbearance is one way we do that. Through patience, compassion, and the willingness to forgive, we demonstrate the power of God’s love in action.

Whether you are facing conflict, enduring hardship, or simply learning to love others better, meditating on a forbearance Bible verse can bring clarity, peace, and encouragement. Let God’s Word guide your heart and transform your reactions into responses marked by grace.

Keep this list close, reflect on each verse, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this beautiful virtue.

 

Read also: 40 Bible Verses About Dominion