Thought for the morning
There is no scripture to open up with this morning, because “tolerance” is not a word found in scripture. However, does that mean we are not to be tolerant? I am glad that most people tolerate me. Other words we could use for the word tolerance are, open mindedness, acceptance, patience, and charity (love).
I think we could say God was very tolerant with Israel. Engineers when designing a particular part for, say an automobile, places tolerance on dimensions. If the part does not meet the tolerances, the part is scrapped or rejected. Tolerance sets boundaries!
When dealing with others there are boundaries we should not cross. We are to love the sinner but not the sin! Sin is outside the boundary of acceptance!
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
We are to warn those who are unruly, living in sin. But we should also be patient with all. Tolerance means knowing where the boundaries are. It is difficult dealing with sin in our own lives, and even more difficult exhorting another who is living in sin.
Luke 10:27 So he answered and said, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
We know the weaknesses we have in our own self. Our love for others is to introduce them to the One who dealt with our weakness of sin.
1 Peter 4:8 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
Love is not to tolerate sin, but we are to love the sinner! Just a thought for the morning.
Carl
(Guest Contributor)
