"Tolerance" And Other Words To Be Afraid Of!

As we closed up the series called "Unexpected Jesus", Bryan and I shared from John 4 the story of the Samaritan woman Jesus encountered at Jacob's well. Our messages centered around the idea that Jesus is "a tolerant friend". The word "tolerance" has been hijacked by certain people, and sometimes, we have allowed that word to be defined in such a way that we are afraid to use it. In fact, we have done that with other words as well (i.e. "gay", "relevant", "emerging church", etc.).

John Burke says that "tolerance is the world's inexpensive substitute for grace". Gordon McDonald says that "you don't have to be a Christian to feed hungry people or build houses for the poor, but the one thing that the world can't offer that Christianity does is grace." Paul said in Romans 2:1-4, "You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (New Living Translation)

Did you see it in there? God is kind, patient, and yes, tolerant! In fact, he is MORE than tolerant... with me... and with you... Thank God for that. He doesn't just "tolerate" us, but he loves us and he sent his Son to die for us! That's grace! In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, "God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change." (The Message)

Let's reclaim the tolerance of our Lord, and let's extend the tolerance and grace that he offered us to EVERYONE... whether they deserve it or not!