Loving Tolerance

We live in a unique time and in a very blessed country. Today we have ways of expressing ourselves and freedoms that others do not, or did not, have in the past. We are truly blessed! But with those freedoms bring great responsibility.

While we are free in Christ, we are not our own, we are His. As contradictory as this may sound, this brings true freedom. As Believers, we have handed ourselves over to God, not seeking to serve self, but others. How do we love others as God loves; in truth and tolerance?

Tolerance is a highly-used word in our language right now. We are encouraged to be tolerant. We may even hear things like “everyone’s opinion is what is right for them,” or “what people do in private is their own business.”

Jesus said, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction…But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13,14). Jesus knew that the way to Truth was going to be difficult, and that it’s much easier to go along with what everyone else is doing. But Jesus also knew that in the end this would only lead us, and others, further from God and headed toward a path of destruction. We are to live in the world, but not be of the world. Let’s examine Godly Tolerance.

God’s character is all encompassing and bigger than we can imagine. However, we know that He is a loving God, He created us to be a part of His plan, and that we are made in His image. Even when we sin, God never stops loving us.

“But God, demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8

God loves His people, but is intolerant of sin. He cannot, by His own nature of perfect Holiness, have sin in His presence. Therefore, He sent a Savior to pay for our sins. When we have God’s Spirit living in us, we can call on His design of tolerance. He never wants us to compromise who we are in Him, and at the same time understands that we are sinners.

When we are gifted with the Godly Strength of tolerance, we can see others how God sees us! We have a loving heart for people. We want to share with them the Good News of Salvation.

In Scripture, agape love is linked to tolerance. Tolerance begins with being other-centered rather than self-centered.

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.”—2 Timothy 4:1-2

God wants us to be out in the world, loving others with agape love. His Word says that we are charged with preaching the Word! When you are gifted with tolerance you can confidently be ready, at any time, to correct, rebuke and instruct in Godly ways.

Ask the Lord now to give you boldness in the presence of tolerance so that you can be ready in any season to share His love. Pray for discernment and guidance on how to love others as He does, while not being tolerant of sin. This is a remarkable gift from God that He has bestowed upon you.

We know that it is difficult to navigate situations with our loved ones at times. Allow God to open your heart to see and love as He does—breaking your heart for what breaks His. Allow Him to repair and work in your life and the lives of your loved ones.

If tolerance is something that has been a struggle for you, we want to encourage you through prayer. Please call us at 855.208.0723 and we will be ready to pray with you. We will pray along-side you for courage and strength and ask God to guide you through situations with His wisdom.

Rejoice today in God’s character of perfect tolerance and perfect love!