Bear With One Another

Sermon Outline: Sunday, June 24th, 2026
Speaker: Brandon Brarnes

Text

Luke 13:1–8

Introduction

Restraint makes room for Redemption (South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission)

I. Bearing with One Another Is the Expression of Mercy Over Immediate Justice (Luke 13:1–5)

   A. Jesus corrects the assumption that suffering equals greater guilt (Luke 13:1–3)
   B. All are equally in need of repentance before God (Luke 13:4–5)
   C. God’s restraint reveals His mercy rather than immediate judgment (Genesis 2:17;

Romans 2:4)
D. Believers are called to reflect that same mercy toward others (Colossians 3:13;

Ephesians 4:2–3)

Application: Where am I executing justice without considering my own propensity to sin?

II. Bearing with One Another Provides Space for Reconciliation and Repentance (Luke 13:1–5; Ephesians 4:2–3)

A. God’s patience is intended to lead people to repentance (Luke 13:5; Romans 2:4)
B. Bearing with others is active love—not enabling or abandoning (Ephesians 4:2–3)

Practical Expressions of Bearing in Love:

1. 1. Respond out of Christ-like Love, not anger (James 1:20)
  2. Remain rooted in the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17–19)
  3. Act according to faith and a clear conscience (Romans 14:23)
  4. Pursue sacrificial love that goes beyond convenience (Romans 12:10)

Application: Am I responding to this person from love, or from anger, fear, guilt, or self‑protection?

III. Bearing with One Another Cultivates Spiritual Growth and Transformation (Luke 13:6–8)

   A. The parable of the fig tree demonstrates God’s patient cultivation (Luke 13:6–8)
   B. God’s delay is purposeful, allowing time for fruit to develop (2 Peter 3:9)
   C. Spiritual fruit is evidence of God’s work within us (Galatians 5:22–23)
   D. Bearing with others is an act of faith in God’s transforming power (John 15:2;

Galatians 5:22–23)

Application: Where have I abandoned hope in what God may still be growing in this person—or in me?

IV. Conclusion: Receive and Reflect on God’s Patience

   A. God’s kindness is meant to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4)
   B. Love is marked by endurance and hope (1 Corinthians 13:7)
   C. God’s patience is not indefinite—it calls for response (2 Thessalonians 1:8–9)