Tolerance

 We hear a lot about tolerance these days. But what does that really mean?  

According to Webster (1828), it is the power or capacity of enduring; or the act of enduring. The Bible tells us that endurance is the ability to bear trials, have fortitude, persevere, and be patient. (Strong's 5278 ὑπομένω) 

According to Dictionary.com,  tolerance is a fair, respectful, and permissive attitude or policy toward people whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from one's own or from those of the majority; freedom from bigotry and from an insistence on conformity.

These two definitions of the same word convey very different meanings. While both dictionaries use tolerance as a noun, Webster indicates tolerance is something to bear, and Dictionary.com points to practice. Historically to be tolerant was to endure. Now, one must not only show respect for but have a permissive attitude toward those with whom you disagree. 

Do we have the right to treat others with disrespect or bigotry because they are different or have contrary beliefs? In the words of the Apostle Paul; May it never be! Those with whom we disagree are children of God, as we are. God so loved my (drunkard, pothead, transgender, homosexual, adulterer, unsaved) neighbor that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life. For God did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17 NASB)

What about the "other side," you might ask. It seems like those yelling loudest and pushing hardest for tolerance are not being tolerant. Why don't they have to be tolerant of my beliefs or opinions? What about them respecting members of a different social group? From what I have read and seen, the answer is - no; they do not have to be tolerant because they see themselves as the oppressed in modern society. 

Does that mean that we, Christians, should fight fire with fire? Should we yell louder, hurl more insults, or dismiss others out of hand because they sin differently? May it never be! Our first responsibility is to pray for those who persecute us; we need to demonstrate the love of Christ to a fallen world. We cannot enable sin to continue in our midst. We can remove it from our lives and sphere, but we should replace it with love and compassion. 

Those trapped in sin are trying to fill the emptiness inside with something (drink, drugs, pornography, sex, fame) other than God. We will never reach those who are searching if we yell, demean, disrespect, or otherwise see a group rather than an individual. To our detriment, we have lost the art of agreeing to disagree, being able to tell someone that I cannot tolerate a particular behavior, but I can love you with the Love of Christ Jesus. We have to have relationships with people before they will see beyond the stereotype and see Jesus in us. James tells us twice that we will be blessed if we remain steadfast, or endure, under trials (James 1:12 and 5:11). 

Jesus cannot tolerate sin; God will not tolerate sin in His presence. When you have reached the end of your rope, and you are tempted to lash out against those not who are not tolerant, remember James. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:19-20, 22). 

Lord, guide my steps.

Help me to always be aware of Your love. Show me how to share 

Your love with those with whom I disagree, with those who do not know You yet.

Give me the wisdom and courage to love others as You love them. 

Keep me from falling into sin in the name of tolerance or getting along.

We cannot get along with sin but must love our neighbor as ourselves. 

Help me to find and stay in that balance.

In Christ alone

Amen