Should Followers of Jesus be Tolerant?

Should Followers of Jesus be Tolerant?

            Are you intolerant?  Before you can answer that question, we must first come up with a definition of “tolerance.

            Traditionally “tolerance” has meant:  Love the sinner, but hate the sin.  Love and accept others, but don’t necessarily agree with their lifestyle choices.  Embrace all people, but not necessarily agree with all people. 

            If that is the definition of “tolerance” that we are using, then it is true that every Christ follower should be tolerant.  But the problem is that most of the media, and now even most of the country is using a different definition of tolerance than has been traditionally understood.

            The popular working definition of “tolerance” for many is:  Consider other points of view to be of equal value with your point of view, even if you disagree.  Respect and even celebrate other points of view, even if you believe they are wrong.  In fact, to make any negative judgments on other points of view is considered to be discriminatory and even hateful by many today.

            If that is the definition of “tolerance” that we are using, then it is true that every follower of Jesus must choose to be intolerant.  In fact, by that definition Jesus would have to be considered extremely intolerant.  He said that He was the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one came to the Father but through Him (Jn 14:6).  What an intolerant statement!  His first followers would also have to be considered extremely intolerant as well.  They said, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  How intolerant!

            Well, the fact of the matter is, all points of view are not of equal value.  There is such a thing as truth.  There is such a thing as right and wrong.  To respect and even celebrate something that we know is not true, and is even harmful for those who believe it to be true, is immoral and insane.

            Don’t be duped by the schemes of the devil.  He has redefined the word “tolerance” in order to make those who will stand up for the truth look like they are not fair or kind or loving.  When in fact, one of the most loving things you can do for someone is to help them understand the truth.  Jesus is the truth!  He is also the Way—the only Way!  And He is the life—Eternal Life!

            Keep loving the sinner and hating the sin.  But also, be willing to speak the truth and risk being called intolerant.  It will take some courage to do that in the days to come.  It may be that with this new definition of “tolerance,” to be called “intolerant” will be a badge of honor…… A Message from Pastor Gary of Grace Community Church in Arlington, Texas. updated 3.23.14