Tolerance is often misunderstood in today’s world. For some, it simply means accepting the views of others, but biblically tolerance goes much deeper. Christian tolerance is a reflection of God’s love, patience, and understanding toward us. It’s about showing compassion, patience, and grace, especially in difficult or divisive situations. Tolerance is not about compromising truth but about embodying God’s love in our relationships with others, even those who think, act, or believe differently than we do.
Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about tolerance, its importance in our walk with Christ, and how we can embody a spirit of tolerance while remaining committed to God’s truth.
1. Tolerance Reflects God’s Love and Patience
The foundation of Christian tolerance is God’s own patience and love toward humanity. In 2 Peter 3:9, we see God’s heart for people, His patience, and His desire that everyone come to repentance.
- 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
God’s patience is a model for us, showing that He does not rush to condemn but offers us grace and time to turn to Him. Likewise, our tolerance toward others reflects God’s love and patience, showing others that they are valued and that we care about their well-being.
Application: Are we patient with those who are different or who may challenge us? In practicing patience and understanding, we reflect God’s heart and show love to others.
2. Jesus’ Example of Tolerance
Jesus exemplified tolerance in His ministry, reaching out to people whom society often marginalized or judged. He spent time with tax collectors, sinners, and those seen as “unclean.” In Matthew 9:10-13, Jesus teaches that He came not for the righteous but for sinners, showing tolerance and compassion.
- Matthew 9:10-13: “While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Jesus did not condone sin but showed love and understanding to those struggling. He focused on connecting with people, offering them a path to healing and transformation. His example teaches us to love others without immediately judging or condemning.
Reflection: Do we follow Jesus’ example by showing kindness and compassion to those who are different from us? Jesus’ life is a model for us to build bridges rather than barriers.
3. Tolerance Requires Humility and Understanding
Tolerance is grounded in humility. Romans 12:3 warns us not to think too highly of ourselves, reminding us that we are all fallible and in need of God’s grace.
- Romans 12:3: “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Humility reminds us that we, too, are flawed and that we don’t know everything. It allows us to listen openly to others and understand their perspectives. Tolerance doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone, but it does mean respecting others as fellow human beings made in God’s image.
Application: Are we humble in our interactions with others, seeking to understand before responding? Humility and openness help us to engage with others in a loving and respectful way.
4. Tolerance Doesn’t Compromise Truth
Christian tolerance does not mean compromising God’s truth. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul encourages us to speak the truth in love, balancing honesty with kindness.
- Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
We are called to stand firm in our faith and convictions but to do so with grace and respect. Jesus was clear about truth, yet He shared it in a way that was compassionate and merciful. Tolerance means respecting others while remaining committed to God’s standards.
Reflection: Are we able to speak the truth with love? Tolerance allows us to engage with others without compromising our beliefs, rooted in love and gentleness.
5. Tolerance and Forgiveness Go Hand in Hand
Tolerance is closely connected to forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord has forgiven us.
- Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness requires tolerance and grace, acknowledging that others, like us, make mistakes. Tolerance lets go of grudges, allowing us to live in harmony and unity. When we bear with one another, we reflect God’s own forgiving heart, which helps build strong, loving relationships.
Application: Are we quick to forgive those who have wronged us? Tolerance and forgiveness break down walls of resentment, fostering peace and unity within the body of Christ.
6. Tolerance Brings Unity in Diversity
The body of Christ is diverse, filled with people from different backgrounds, experiences, and opinions. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul explains how the church is like a body with many parts, each one essential to its overall function.
- 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Tolerance enables us to embrace diversity, recognizing that God has created each person uniquely. Unity does not require uniformity; rather, it calls us to love one another, even when we differ in perspective. By embracing differences, we reflect the beautiful diversity of God’s creation.
Reflection: Are we open to diversity within the church, welcoming people who may not think, look, or act like us? Tolerance leads to a more unified and vibrant community, honoring the beauty of diversity in God’s family.
7. Tolerance Is a Fruit of the Spirit
Tolerance, patience, and forbearance are fruits of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, including patience, kindness, and gentleness, which are essential to practicing tolerance.
- Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
The Holy Spirit enables us to love others with a genuine heart, even when it’s challenging. When we yield to the Spirit, we find the patience, gentleness, and self-control necessary to be tolerant and compassionate.
Application: Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, cultivating a heart of tolerance and compassion? With the Spirit’s guidance, we can embody the tolerance that reflects God’s love.
8. Tolerance as a Witness to the World
Tolerance is a powerful testimony of God’s love. When we treat others with kindness, respect, and patience, we show the world a glimpse of Christ’s character. John 13:34-35 reminds us that our love for one another is the defining mark of a disciple.
- John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
When the world sees Christians loving and respecting each other despite differences, it draws them toward God. Tolerance allows us to break down barriers and create a welcoming atmosphere, inviting people to experience God’s love firsthand.
Reflection: Are we being a witness to God’s love through our tolerance? In our interactions, we have the opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love and draw others closer to Him.
Conclusion
Tolerance is essential in our walk with Christ. It reflects God’s love and patience, shows compassion and humility and allows us to live in harmony with others. Through the example of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, we are called to be patient, forgiving, and loving, even when it’s challenging.
Today, we have seen that:
- Tolerance reflects God’s patience and love toward us.
- Jesus exemplified tolerance by reaching out with compassion to those on the margins.
- Humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to truth are central to practicing tolerance.
- Tolerance leads to unity in the body of Christ, celebrates diversity, and serves as a witness to the world.
May we strive to be a community that practices true tolerance, rooted in love and respect, reflecting Christ’s compassion to all. Let us welcome and love one another with grace, bearing with each other’s differences and building a community that draws people to the heart of God. As we live in this way, we become living testimonies of Christ’s love, making a lasting impact on the world around us.
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