Christians and Tolerance

What is Tolerance?

“A fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own. Freedom from bigotry!” (www.dictionary.com)

What is Tolerance?As defined, it is obvious we need to draw lines as to what we tolerate and what we do not tolerate. Most of us have things we will not tolerate. Where do we draw the line?

What is Tolerance?There is a difference between a sinner and the sin they commitWe are to love the sinner!Matt. 5:44Romans 12:14, 20-21

What is Tolerance?Jesus loved the sinner, not the sin!The rich young ruler – Mark 10:21The adulterous woman – John 8:10,11He grieved for Jerusalem – Lk. 13:34-35, Mark 3:56

NEVER, do we find Jesus either approving of or

defending sinful conduct!

What is Tolerance?The word tolerance is not

found in the Bible, but there are principles that we must

consider.

We CANNOT tolerate sin!

NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct!Rom. 6:23 Sin leads to deathPsalm 1:1 Where is your delight? Gal. 2:4-5 “to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour…”

We CANNOT tolerate sin!NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct!1 Tim. 6:3-5 From such withdraw yourself – sinful attitudes 2 Tim. 3:1-5 From such people turn away

We CANNOT tolerate sin!

NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct!Eph. 5:3-11 Do not be partakers with themExpose them!

We CANNOT tolerate sin!

NEVER are we taught to tolerate sinful conduct in churches! Rev. 2:20-23 Allowed false teaching and actions1 Cor. 5:4-7 – a little leaven!

When we stand before God, He will NOT tolerate

unrepented sin!

Not everyone will agree

We live in an ungodly society that is getting worse and worse 2 Tim. 3:13 Strong moral convictions are lacking with most1 John 4:5, 5:19 - of the world

Not everyone will agree

When you stand for your convictions, some will be upsetWhy was Jesus crucified?John 11:48-50Paul was resisted continually –cf. Acts 19 – in Ephesus

Not everyone will agree

We will be rejected by the world2 Tim. 3:121 Pet. 4:1-4 “they think it strange…”1 Pet. 2:12, 3:16 you will be vilainized

Not everyone will agree

BUT we must let the world be the world! Matt. 15:14 “let them alone…”1 Cor. 5:9-11 “you would need to go out of the world…”

Not everyone will agree

BUT we must let the world be the world! John 17:14-19 –IN the world, but not OF the worldRom. 13:1-2, 1 Pet. 2:13-17, cf. vs.18 - submit to governments

Not everyone will agree

WE must limit our exposure to ungodliness of the world2 Cor. 6:14-18 –Do not be unequally yoked, come out from among them1 Cor. 15:33James 4:4

Let us stand with God and

those who stand with

Him!