TOLERANCE

Conviction and commitment are scorned by postmodernists. To them nothing is so disgusting as the man who is unyielding in his faith, who “hates every false way” (Psa 119:104). The word “tolerance” is a key word for liberal politicians and liberal theologians.
Tolerance is here defined as weakness or compromise. In other ways it is commendable, like “to be patient with others” (II Pet 1:6) in allowing them freedom to think, believe or practice their religion without attempting to coerce, pressure or persecute them.
Christianity promotes tolerance toward others. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself’ (Mt 22:39; 7:1-5; 13:30). God knows motives and deeds. However, you cannot tolerate what will not tolerate you and is trying to cut your throat (such as radical Islam). We can tolerate a venomous snake in his wilderness, but only a fool will tolerate him in his house.
Tolerance can easily be a cloak for lack of conviction. Robert Browning said “There are those who tolerate everything, because they believe in nothing.” People sometimes wrongly accuse the dedicated Christian of intolerance because he will not compromise “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). We gently “persuade men” and “teach” men to accept the truth (Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 4; 5:11), but we persecute or force no one
(Mt 6:15; 11:28). We love all men but hate false ways (Psa 97:10; Amos 5:15; He 1:9).

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