The distinction between natural forbearance and its gracious sibling is, in principle, relatively easy to draw, even if similarities in act make them difficult to distinguish on the ground. Imagine two people, one acts with the patient endurance of natural forbearance, the other endures with a forbearance that grace makes possible, that participates in God’s love. Both offer this act as an instance of love’s well- wishing, as an expression of love5s regard for the friend. Both intend to maintain the friendship shared with those they endure and mutual autonomy with respect to their differences. And both endure what they despise, at least in part, for the sake of reconciliation with their beloved. Both hope that the differences that now divide will one day be resolved.