Free to be Tolerant

Written by Christian Author, Pola Muzyka
http://strongholdsmashers.com/bible/free-tolerant/

To tolerate the beliefs and actions of others does not mean we have to join them. Nor does it mean we have to change our own beliefs to conform with theirs. Particularly if their beliefs infringe on our right to believe in Christ [this is a stronghold of anti-Christ], our right to believe in eternal life, or our right to be free [by the sacrifice of Christ] of sin.

Christianity is the most tolerant religion in the world when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, Christians who have gone against these teachings have caused great pain and sorrow for many. Hitler killed Jews but claimed to be a Christian. The Inquisitions killed those who were considered heretics by religious fanatics. These are horrible infringements against the teachings of Jesus Christ, and blots on the history of our faith.

We are commanded to love others, and to tolerate them without judging them and without taking action against them for their actions and beliefs that are different from ours. The only exception to this is if they are of the household of faith–if they claim to be Christian but deliberately do things that are against the word of God.

5 Biblical tips to help our tolerance:

1. Follow the greatest commandment.

Matthew 22:37-38 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). ³⁸This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment.

2. Love even those who don’t love you. Almost every stronghold can be overcome through your love. Jesus stressed this even by example.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

1 Corinthians 13:7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

3. Don’t judge. But be ready to let others know why you believe what you believe without judging them.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.

Matthew 7:1 DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.

4. Repay evil with blessings. This is a hard lesson to learn.

1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love  one another, be compassionate and humble. ⁹ Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ¹⁰For, “Whoever would love life  and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. ¹¹ They must turn from evil and do good;  they must seek peace and pursue it.

5. Correct others with patience. Be precise. Make no mistake. God loves others with the same love he has for you.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.