Love never gives up
1 Corinthians 13:7
Similar to the comments on resentment, bearing all things means that we are going to have to continue in our relationships even when others do not conform to our ideals. Most of us have had interactions with people who just. Won’t. Stop. They won’t stop harping on the same issues, won’t stop complaining about their circumstances, won’t stop misunderstanding you no matter how many conversations you have. It is tempting to just give up those relationships. While there can be factors which make that a wise decision, make sure that it’s not based in your personal weariness. Perhaps there are more healthy ways for you to interact with them or more productive topics to focus on. We can get rid of toxicity without closing doors (insofar as it depends on us. If they shut the door that’s on them). When they relapse into toxic conversations, when they become annoying for the umpteenth time, bear with them. They are showing a level of persistence in things which matter to them. They desire relationship, they desire camaraderie, they desire love. We may not agree with them, we may not like the things they like or be uplifted by their attentions, but we can display love through forbearance. Be honest with them. Tell them your concerns. Don’t lead them on in a false relationship. But make it clear that you love them, and that you won’t give up on them.
Next: Trust