"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you brethren, BEAR WITH THE WORD OF EXHORTATION, for I have written to you in few words."
Webster's defines bear as "to carry in mind and heart".
(One of many definitions)
The writer of the letter to the Hebrews, presumed to be Paul, informs them in chapter 12:5,6:
"And you have forgotten the EXHORTATION which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives'." Exhortation is used only twice, within the space of two chapters, in the epistle. We must consider that Paul is admonishing the Jewish believers, as well as latter day Christians, to carry this truth in mind and heart. Why? Because if we don't, we are more likely to reverse ourselves in "the race that has been set before us"(12:1) as we are confronted with "various trials"(James 1:2).
The Jewish believers had been tempted to reverse their course in Christ when their countrymen began to persecute them. When a threat to comfort or fellowship arises, carry this exhortation in your heart (and don't forget it); looking to Him Who is able to make you complete in every good work to do His will! His fellowship and comfort never wanes!
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