I recently was struck by the fundamental difference between tolerance and love. Tolerance, to endure or allow what is not wholly approved, to bear or put up with, can be done with love as the motivation. But tolerance in itself can be merely external and with effort can be accomplished politely whilst hatred is concealed within. From a young age we learn to comply with directives from parents, teachers, bullies, rules or laws we think are silly, and we are conditioned to be tolerant of differences. Tolerance has its place in a diverse society to be sure yet should never be confused with the love of God which is to mark the lives of Christians.
Love which is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of followers of Jesus Christ. Paul exhorted in Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." Those who have been born again through faith in Christ are empowered to love others, and this is practically experienced through divine power and personal choice. I freely confess many times I unwittingly substituted tolerance for love and good manners for kindness and compassion. The irony is we can be proud of our tolerance of other people when our efforts fall woefully short of the grace and mercy God has shown us. Because of God's love due to His goodness--not our worthiness--He gave Himself for our salvation and deliverance from the death we deserve.
In a world which touts tolerance as a great virtue, in a society which idolises individuality that conforms to their passions (and ironically savages who they deem intolerant), God's love transcends all the selfishness, fear, and pressure of this age. The world tolerates those who conform to their ever-shifting standards, but praise the LORD He brings transformation of our hearts through the Gospel which is true and endures. As Christians in a secular world there is a degree of tolerance required to navigate this world peaceably (as much as depends upon us according to Romans 12:8), and at the same time ensure we do not tolerate the sin of putting up with people instead of loving them like God does. Believers walking in love towards people who share little to nothing in common is a way God has made for His love to be revealed.
If we will obey the numerous "one another" commands in scripture, it means we must walk in God's love as we spend time with other people who have different personalities, convictions, and perspectives. In one local church alone there is a shocking amount of diversity between the various members because of backgrounds, beliefs, age, and interests, yet all are united by faith in Jesus Christ. As unique members of the body of Christ it is fitting the hand should love the foot as they work together as part of the church. It is not the Law of Moses but the love of God which unites and governs us, and walking in love is to be a primary aim as is written in 1 Peter 1:22-23, "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever..."
Tolerance has its place in our world, but it is never an adequate substitute for God's active love.
Love which is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of followers of Jesus Christ. Paul exhorted in Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." Those who have been born again through faith in Christ are empowered to love others, and this is practically experienced through divine power and personal choice. I freely confess many times I unwittingly substituted tolerance for love and good manners for kindness and compassion. The irony is we can be proud of our tolerance of other people when our efforts fall woefully short of the grace and mercy God has shown us. Because of God's love due to His goodness--not our worthiness--He gave Himself for our salvation and deliverance from the death we deserve.
In a world which touts tolerance as a great virtue, in a society which idolises individuality that conforms to their passions (and ironically savages who they deem intolerant), God's love transcends all the selfishness, fear, and pressure of this age. The world tolerates those who conform to their ever-shifting standards, but praise the LORD He brings transformation of our hearts through the Gospel which is true and endures. As Christians in a secular world there is a degree of tolerance required to navigate this world peaceably (as much as depends upon us according to Romans 12:8), and at the same time ensure we do not tolerate the sin of putting up with people instead of loving them like God does. Believers walking in love towards people who share little to nothing in common is a way God has made for His love to be revealed.
If we will obey the numerous "one another" commands in scripture, it means we must walk in God's love as we spend time with other people who have different personalities, convictions, and perspectives. In one local church alone there is a shocking amount of diversity between the various members because of backgrounds, beliefs, age, and interests, yet all are united by faith in Jesus Christ. As unique members of the body of Christ it is fitting the hand should love the foot as they work together as part of the church. It is not the Law of Moses but the love of God which unites and governs us, and walking in love is to be a primary aim as is written in 1 Peter 1:22-23, "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever..."
Tolerance has its place in our world, but it is never an adequate substitute for God's active love.
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