Understanding the true meaning of tolerance

Dictionary.com defines tolerance as follows:

1. a fair, objective and permissive attitude towards those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from their own; freedom from fanaticism

2. a fair, objective and permissive attitude towards opinions and practices that differ from one’s own.

3. interest and concern for ideas, opinions, practices, etc., other than one’s own; a liberal point of view, not a dogmatic one.

Although there are other definitions of tolerance, they do not relate to what I am about to say.

I live in the United States of the Offended. It seems that every time you turn around someone is complaining that they have been offended or that their rights have been violated. Often these are rights that they do not really possess.

I believe that everyone has the right to believe what they want. However, no right is absolute. It does not mean that you have the right to say what you want, or to act in accordance with those beliefs.

An example in the United States is racism. Racism simply means that you believe that your race is superior to that of others. I’m sure there are people who believe that. So what?

Far more dangerous are prejudices and discrimination. Holding prejudiced beliefs and then acting on them leads to discrimination against others for many different reasons.

I don’t think Christians are more intolerant than anyone. I do not believe that our faith is a religion of intolerance.

Anyone who wants to become a Christian can certainly do so. The real problem is when Christians begin to embrace sin. When we say it’s okay to engage in any kind of behavior as long as it makes you happy.

This is where we have to draw the line. The bottom line is that Christians will always be accused of being fanatics. However, as long as we respect the rights of others, even when we disagree, we are not fans at all. We are simply trying to follow Christ, and He never had a problem confronting another person about his sin.

A fundamental right that we must all recognize is the right to free choice. It is a right that God has given to all of us. We can choose to love him or not. We can choose to be sinners or not. We can choose to walk the path that Christ has created for us, or not.

Just as I don’t want my faith banned or banned, I don’t want anyone else’s right to practice their faith banned. I may not agree with that, but as long as it doesn’t harm others, I don’t see the point in telling others what to think, believe, or how to act.

America is at a crossroads; we can choose to respect the rights of others without agreeing with them. This also means that sometimes we will have to stand up for what is right when the actions of others are harmful.

The late Reggie White, Greenbay Packer and one of the best professional football players in the NFL, was called the “Minister of Defense.” He earned this title not only because he was the best defensive player to ever play the game, but he was also an ordained minister. He said that Christians should be “meek, not weak.”

Meek does not mean being a doormat. It means to be patient. It’s time to stop being doormats. It’s time to stop hurting our feelings every time someone insults us or disrespects our faith.

Jesus called us to love. The judgment belongs to Him. It does not mean that we should not be discerning about our relationships and with whom we choose to associate. Hang out in a bar long enough and you’ll be drinking.

However, in your daily contact with non-believers, you must love them. You don’t have to agree with them, and it’s not your place to judge them.

Let Jesus heal your life. Lead by example. The way you live will be a much brighter example of what Jesus can do than your words.

The Bible says that what is impossible with man is possible with God. God can do anything as long as you put your free will aside and allow it to hurt you. Only by allowing God to bless you can you be a blessing to others.

There are so many broken and hurting people in the world today, and you have the power and the great Physician to help you do it.

Show others your respect. Demonstrate the true meaning of tolerance. Show them your love and you will change the world in a way that is only possible with God.