True Toleration

By Dean Kelly

Have you ever watched a young child closely when the subject of sharing comes up? Have you noticed that “sharing” means “you share with me” and very seldom means, in their minds, “I share with you.” To the small and immature child sharing is a one-way street.

Have you ever noticed many adults when the concept of toleration comes up? Much like the child, it means, “You tolerate me and whatever I want you to tolerate” and very seldom with some means, “I will be tolerant with you.” 

The word “tolerant” has way too often become a buzzword for ignoring what is right or wrong and just saying, “Live and Let Live”. What does the Bible say?

First of all, the word toleration is not found in the scriptures, but several related concepts are. Examples include “longsuffering” (Ephesians 4:2; Galatians 5:22; 2 Timothy 2:10, etc); patience (James 1:3-4, etc.); kindness (2 Peter 1:7; 2 Corinthians 6:6, etc.). 

Beyond that, we are admonished to “teach the word in love” (Ephesians 4:15). When we speak to those with whom we disagree we are instructed, “Let your speech be with grace, seasoned with salt.” We must act and speak motivated by love and truth, which are not, as some believe, incompatible. 

Biblical toleration is not just a wide-open acceptance of any and all sin and lifestyles when they are clearly against what the scriptures teach. Instead, it is an attitude of loving the individual while not accepting that which conflicts with God’s will as “all right.”

Back to the point at the beginning, often the ones who yell most loudly about toleration are the most intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them. Toleration is a one-way street to them. If anyone dare oppose them in their thinking they will be ostracized and attacked in the most fierce of ways.

The epitome of tolerance is shown in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s abundant patience, kindness and longsuffering are displayed in the cross of Christ. But, He does call us to come to that cross in obedient faith.

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.