The Fourth Spiritual Work of Mercy

Bear Wrongs
Patiently

The Catholic call to endure injuries and injustices with patience, imitating Christ's forbearance

Closeup of Jesus Christ wearing crown of thorns during His crucifixion captures the suffering, sacrifice, and deep spirituality that define Easter and the core of Christian faith and religion.

Complete History: Bear Wrongs Patiently

Definition

To bear wrongs patiently is to endure injuries, insults, and injustices without retaliation or bitterness, imitating Christ who "when he was reviled, did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2:23). Christ commands: "Do not resist one who is evil... turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39). This work transforms suffering into redemptive grace.

Biblical & Historical Foundations

Scripture

Job: "The LORD gave, the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). Isaiah 53: Suffering Servant "opened not his mouth." Christ: Silent before accusers, prayed for executioners (Luke 23:34). Romans 12:14: "Bless those who persecute you."

Church History

Martyrs bore persecution patiently (St. Stephen, Acts 7:60). St. Augustine: "Patience is the companion of wisdom." St. Thomas: Patience perfects endurance (ST II-II, Q. 136). St. Therese: The "little way" of bearing daily slights with love.

Practice Today

What It Means

  • • Accept frustrations without complaint
  • • Forgive those who hurt you
  • • Refuse retaliation or gossip
  • • Offer suffering for souls
  • • Trust God's justice

What It Does NOT Mean

  • • Enabling abuse
  • • Suppressing righteous anger
  • • Avoiding self-defense
  • • Accepting sin passively
Close up of a priest holding rosary and praying with copy space

Conclusion

To bear wrongs patiently is to imitate Christ's Passion, offering sufferings in union with His for salvation of souls. This work transforms injustice into redemptive suffering. Catholics practice it by accepting slights without retaliation, forgiving offenses, and trusting God's providence. St. Paul: "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance" (Romans 5:3). When borne patiently, wrongs become means of grace and paths to holiness.