Adam+Dodge

Tolerance by Adam Dodge

__Many people demand tolerance today based on the claim that “God is tolerant.”__ How do we know this? This essay will give examples where this may or may not be the case according to the Bible, and make some general statements about tolerance.

__Tolerance is expressed many times in the Bible.__ Jesus is tolerant in many ways. He hung around with tax-collectors, He forgave a woman caught in adultery, and he forgave Peter, even after he had denied Him three times. But forgiveness isn’t the same as approval.  The Book of Romans (2:4) says, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?”

// __There were also times when God/Jesus was not tolerant as well.__ // The Book of Revelation (2:2) says, “‘I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, ...’” The Book of Habakkuk (1:13) says, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.” God was also outraged with Moses’ people worshipping the golden calf.

__In modern society, most people that demand tolerance don’t express it themselves.__ As a result, they accuse those who disagree with them of hatred. For example, if someone has a different opinion about homosexual behavior and/or abortion, they’re often accused of being hateful and intolerant. __We should all be tolerant enough to listen to and discuss other people’s points of view.__

4. A) Jesus is tolerant in many ways. He hung around with tax-collectors, He forgave a woman caught in adultery, and he forgave Peter, even after he had denied Him three times. B) The Book of Revelation (2:2) says, “‘I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, ...’” The Book of Habakkuk (1:13) says, “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong.”

__So as you can see, it is also important to remember that what may be intolerable to a certain religion may have to be tolerated by society in general, by the government, and its laws.__ And people should be careful about using the reasons for their opinions to make sure they’re using them correctly.