Be Tolerant, But Not of Sin
Oct 15, 2008
Tolerance seems to be one of the most prevalent ideals of our culture today. It is preached to us in many different ways and by many different sources. One thing our tolerant society has very little tolerance for is intolerance. Intolerance, whether real or imagined, often gives some religious convictions a bad name. When it comes to God’s word as we have it in the Bible, there are some things that should not be tolerated. Sinful disobedience to God’s instructions and false teaching are two activities that God’s word teaches should not be tolerated. It also teaches, however, the need for tolerance in other areas of our lives.
The Christian who strives to obey biblical instruction simply cannot tolerate, or approve of, everything. Otherwise, we could be condemning ourselves by approving of the wrong things. According to Romans 14:22, “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” The fifth chapter of 1st Corinthians describes a very unfortunate situation in which a man was guilty of sexual immorality with his father’s wife (1st Corinthians 5:1). The Christians in that area are scolded for not taking the matter seriously enough (1st Corinthians 5:2). The Bible teaches that when a fellow Christian is persisting in such sinful activity, a distinction needs to be made. It isn’t right to just act like everything is okay and, by effect, tolerate or approve of the continuing sin (1st Corinthians 5:11).
The Bible also stresses the need for an intolerance of false teaching. The first chapter of Galatians discusses the importance of teaching only the one true gospel. It even goes so far as to say, “even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Passing something else off as God’s word cannot be tolerated. Acting as if false teaching is acceptable is basically approving of it. The Bible warns us not to do that when it says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2nd John 10+11).
Though we are told not to be tolerant of sin or false teaching, tolerance in other areas of our lives is very important. Showing intolerant bias is not what God has in mind for us. There are several passages that describe God as being impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). And we should try to behave the same way (1st Timothy 5:21, James 2:1-9). The Bible also warns us not to be judgmental (Matthew 7:1, James 4:11). In areas of our lives that God’s word does not mandate one way or the other, we have no right to condemn the beliefs of others. There is nothing wrong with having different beliefs, as long as they are both in obedience to God’s word (Romans 14:4-6).
Christianity should not be about bickering and intolerance. It should be about peace (Romans 14:19, 1st Timothy 2:1+2). God’s word does not allow for the tolerance or approval of sinful disobedience. But that doesn’t mean Christians are to be intolerant. Let’s not forget how much emphasis the Bible places on impartiality and not judging. And whenever possible, let’s be tolerant Christians.
The Christian who strives to obey biblical instruction simply cannot tolerate, or approve of, everything. Otherwise, we could be condemning ourselves by approving of the wrong things. According to Romans 14:22, “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.” The fifth chapter of 1st Corinthians describes a very unfortunate situation in which a man was guilty of sexual immorality with his father’s wife (1st Corinthians 5:1). The Christians in that area are scolded for not taking the matter seriously enough (1st Corinthians 5:2). The Bible teaches that when a fellow Christian is persisting in such sinful activity, a distinction needs to be made. It isn’t right to just act like everything is okay and, by effect, tolerate or approve of the continuing sin (1st Corinthians 5:11).
The Bible also stresses the need for an intolerance of false teaching. The first chapter of Galatians discusses the importance of teaching only the one true gospel. It even goes so far as to say, “even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Passing something else off as God’s word cannot be tolerated. Acting as if false teaching is acceptable is basically approving of it. The Bible warns us not to do that when it says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2nd John 10+11).
Though we are told not to be tolerant of sin or false teaching, tolerance in other areas of our lives is very important. Showing intolerant bias is not what God has in mind for us. There are several passages that describe God as being impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). And we should try to behave the same way (1st Timothy 5:21, James 2:1-9). The Bible also warns us not to be judgmental (Matthew 7:1, James 4:11). In areas of our lives that God’s word does not mandate one way or the other, we have no right to condemn the beliefs of others. There is nothing wrong with having different beliefs, as long as they are both in obedience to God’s word (Romans 14:4-6).
Christianity should not be about bickering and intolerance. It should be about peace (Romans 14:19, 1st Timothy 2:1+2). God’s word does not allow for the tolerance or approval of sinful disobedience. But that doesn’t mean Christians are to be intolerant. Let’s not forget how much emphasis the Bible places on impartiality and not judging. And whenever possible, let’s be tolerant Christians.