I Believe in God, but Christians Are So IntolerantSample

WHAT IS INTOLERANCE?

Tolerance was once defined as recognizing and respecting other beliefs even while disagreeing. In more recent days, many feel tolerance means one must consider every belief as valid. Some even think a person is intolerant if they uphold any belief contrary to popular culture. In Matthew 7:1, Jesus tells us not to judge others. Jesus condemned those who find fault in others while pridefully maintaining their own innocence. This verse is often wrongly quoted as a caution against making any moral judgments, but the whole of Scripture supports the truth that there are moral absolutes we need to uphold. In Galatians 6:1-4, Paul tells the church members to call out and restore those caught in sin.

Ask Yourself:

-How can you hold up the Bible’s absolute morality while maintaining a loving and gentle attitude toward those you disagree with?

-Do you judge others in the same way you would want to be judged?

-How does restoring a fellow believer caught in sin differ from passing judgment on those who are not yet Christ-followers?

Pause to Pray: Jesus, help me see people as you see them—with a grace that loves them as they are yet wants them to experience true freedom in You. Help me discern how to stand up for what the Bible says is true with gentleness and respect because I want to represent You well. Amen.

Take a Next Step: Today, make a conscious effort to see each person you meet or pass as a person Jesus created, loves, and died to save.