To Be Long-Suffering

Exhortations are introduced in a number of ways, and the use of words to the effect, that “we are admonished by the writer to the Hebrews to suffer the word of exhortation”, is quite common. The implica­tion seems to be that the audience must submissively listen to whatever the speak­er might say, because it is a scriptural injunction so to do. Indeed, some brethren view exhortation as a kind of spiritual flagellation, measuring its effectiveness by the smarting it produces.

That the writer to the Hebrews viewed the matter in the opposite way is more clearly shown by the word­ing of the R.S.V.: “I appeal to you brethren, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly” (13. 22). First, the appeal is for the writer’s own exhortation and not a general edict to cover other’s exhortations. Secondly, the letter calls itself a “word of paraklesis”, which implies a calling alongside of divine things, for the alleviation of human weaknesses by the ministra­tion of comfort, consolation and refreshment in the word of Truth. That the author of this magnificent com­pression of thought suc­ceeded, is beyond question —yet he humbly asks that the readers will “suffer”, or “bear with”, or “put up with” it.

Behind this word “suffer” is the idea of forbearance, restraint of passions and a readiness to forgive faults. ‘Paul in writing of the Colos­sians has this to say, “Ac­cordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindliness, lowliness of mind, mildness and long-suffering. Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has cause for com­plaint against another” (3. 12, 13 N.W.T.).

We urgently need to apply this advice of Paul’s in these last days, lest we “suffer” in the worldly sense. If we fail to “put up with” each other, then pain, discomfort, damage and loss will be our lot.