What is forbearance? To tolerate or to put up with a situation. In ministry it be to put up with being in the wilderness or being in a place where people do not want to listen. Very little spiritual growth is happening. Nothing seems to be happening. Persecution maybe going on but it not always physical kind. As Noah built an ark no doubt there were people that made fun of his building. Yet on the day of the flood the wails of the people screamed for deliverance. Paul was in in Athens and there are people we are to witness too. With little positive out come Paul had to leave Athens for a time.

Paul at the end of the chapter realize those he taught need him not, but the fellowship still would have been sweet among his brethren. See there time of revival and time of wilderness. Time to preach and time to see the labor of your work. What is our work in the church and what is our work vs. God’s work? One might only need God to teach, but people do fall away from the faith sometimes. Sometimes not from God or Christ, but from fellowship. If you ever spend time with old people one of there concerns is their relationship with Christ is Church attendance. The problem comes what if I miss a service or I am to sick to go does God still love me. Seasons Christians know the answer that Jesus still loves them. Those not to season rely on church attendance at least effecting their salvation sometimes. Salvation is based on faith not being attached to a group of people.

Paul found himself in need of seeing the people he once help to know they were continuing on well. That the labor of the Gospel was not in vain. When we labor for God we really do not know how things will work out for others. Only know our faith must stand.

Dear Heavenly Father let us not worry so much about others will think but continue on in saving grace. In Jesus precious name, Amen.