Tolerance And Intolerance
PART 2

The fact that love is commanded shows that it is a matter of the will and not the emotions. It is not the same as natural affections, because it is not natural to love those who hate and harm us. It is a supernatural, God-given grace, and can be manifested only by those who have divine life. This is turning intolerance into tolerance.

Although Christ said, “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Mt. 7:1), this does not mean we are to be undiscerning Christians (1 Cor. 5:12-13). There are several areas in which we are commanded to make a decision: disputes between believers (1 Cor. 6:1-6); serious sins (Mt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 5:9-13); wrong teaching (Mt. 7:15-20; 1 Cor. 14:29; 1 Jn. 4:1); and those who are unruly (1 Th. 5:14). “You must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother, but is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a one do not even eat” (1 Cor. 5:11). Judgment is always preceded by much prayer and humility.

In Matthew 7:2-3 Jesus warned that any unrighteous judgment will be applied back to us. Then He warned about us being intolerant of the speck in another’s eye, but being tolerant of the log in our own.

In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Mt. 18:21-35), the servant sought tolerance in repaying his debt, saying “If you are patient with me, I will pay it all back.” The master was more than tolerant; he was merciful and forgave the whole debt. In turn, when this servant demanded repayment from a fellow servant, his plea for tolerance was denied, and he was thrown into jail until he could pay the very last cent.

How can we accept the mercy and tolerance of God, while being intolerant of others? Because we are often not like God, but more like the Pharisees who are described as those who “have strained out the gnat and swallowed the camel” (Mt. 23:24). Unfortunately we find the smallest fault in others, but can’t see the complete catastrophe in our own lives.

Christian Liberty
Some issues are really non-issues; these are “gnats,” and even “less than gnats.” We must not turn “gnat” issues into “camel” issues. One example Paul used refers to what we eat and drink. “Receive him who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat ... Who are you to judge another’s servant?” (Rom. 14:1-4).

The disciples said to Jesus, “‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him. ‘Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side’” (Lk. 9:49). It was the intolerance of the Church in England that put John Bunyan in prison for 12 years because he faithfully preached the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ without a license. Today in Pakistan, Nepal, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, China, Afghanistan, and other Islamic countries, Christians suffer greatly because of intolerance.

Our Society
We are to pray for our governments, living tolerant, peaceful lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Tim. 2:2). Our tolerance is found in our relationship with our society: “Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.” Live in harmony with other Christians. “Do not repay evil for evil ... If it be possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people” (Rom. 12:14-18). Leave room for God to deal with others. Our job is to love our enemy. This is massive tolerance!

When To Be Intolerant
Our lifestyle is such that, at times, we will stand out against even the ruler’s wishes. We must speak of Christ; we have no choice in that (Acts 4:18-20). We are different; we are not to love this world (Mt. 6:8; 1 Jn. 2:15). “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). The Christian lifestyle is so different that the world will hate us (Jn. 15:18).

If any preach a false gospel, “let him be accursed” (Gal. 1: 8). That’s a strong example of intolerance. Other examples of intolerance are towards: false prophets and false teachers (2 Cor. 6:17; Acts 20:30; 1 Tim. 1:3), and elders caught in sin (1 Tim. 5:20). Christ’s Church is to be a purified bride (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-27). When that happens, the Church will be completely intolerant of sin.

Love Bears All Things
Just as oil must reach the extremities of all moving parts in machinery, so the Holy Spirit must freely flow through every member of Christ’s body, the Church. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (tolerance), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control” (Gal. 5:22-23).

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:7-8). Notice that this chapter on love and tolerance comes between chapters that deal with the Church as a body and the exercising of gifts in the body so that the body can function smoothly, without friction, like a well-oiled machine.

“Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Mt. 5:39). Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8). Love brings the sinner to repentance and restoration (Jas. 5:20). Better to be wronged or cheated by your Christian brother than to ever take them to court (1 Cor. 6:7). God is loving and compassionate (Ps. 103: 8-14). “The Lord ... is longsuffering (tolerant) toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Jesus said, “The one that comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (Jn. 6:37). Once we understand God’s tolerance and intolerance, the rest is up to us.

By Alan Homan

Look for a new Series next month.