GRACE BIBLE CHURCH

TOLERANCE

Here is a word and trait that is constantly being shouted in our day. It is urged upon us, and we are threatened if we don’t practice it!

It’s a perfectly legitimate and useful word. The dictionary tells us, in various forms, that it means: “Respect for belief.” “Respect for the behavior of others.” “To put up with, to bear,”

What does it mean to respect others and their convictions? We  quickly acknowledge that this is lacking in so much of our daily living. Everyday we read of violence and trouble because someone does not respect someone else’s opinion. People get along with each other when they are “forbearing.” Other people often have beliefs and convictions that are quite different from ours. How do we handle this? It surely does not mean the open acceptance of evil or wrong doing. It does mean that if someone holds to a different belief, or ways of doing things, it is our responsibility to at least be understanding-not necessarily in agreement or in supporting the position.

Sometimes we see on a television program a disclaimer that says: “The views expressed on this program are not necessarily the views of this station.” The ability to express, within the parameters of decency and normal acceptable behavior, is allowed because of tolerance. One time, the disciples of our Lord asked if they should call down fire from heaven upon people who had not been receptive and kind to Him. He refused. Lk. 9:54. In the previous verses the disciples tried to stop a man from what they considered in- appropriate spiritual ministry and Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” There is a Biblical basis for being understanding and tolerant.

However!! Do not misunderstand. There is no Biblical tolerance for views and opinions that are not in keeping with Biblical revelation. That is: “ All roads lead to heaven.” “Different religions and cultures are all equal in God’s sight.” Scripture is not broad enough to contain these.  All religions do not lead to God, that’s why He has given us the Revelation of Truth in His Word. I must not deviate from that given standard, even though the world is constantly telling me that to stand firm upon that conviction is intolerant.

Now, quickly, I must not be harsh and unloving in my stand upon Biblical truth. Scripture says, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.” Rom. 15:1 James continues, “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.  But you—who are you to judge your neighbor.” James. 4:12 There is a danger in intolerance. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” I Cor. 10:12.

“Tolerance applies only to persons, never to truth.” F. J. Sheen, Old Errors and New Labels, Christianity Today. Vol. 41, No. 3  “Never let us think evil of men who do not see as we do. From the bottom of our hearts, let us pity them, and let us take them by the hand and spend time and thought over them, and try to lead them to the true light.” Henry Drummond, Listening to the Giants, ed. W.W.Wiersbe, C.T. Vol. 34,no 13

Tolerance is not Moral Indifference!! That is an expression that comes from Elizabeth Elliot Gren who said: “The current popular notion that judging others is in itself a sin leads to such inappropriate maxims as, ‘I’m okay and you’re okay.”  It encourages a conspiracy of  moral indifference.” Elizabeth Elliot Gren, Leadership, Vol. 3, no. 1

Be tolerant. Be understanding. Be loving and kind. But remember, there is an offense of the Cross and it will be noticed. Be sure in our witness and daily living it is the Cross, and not our own personalities or unloving attitudes that become offensive.