Being Tolerant

Don't push your ideas on me.
Don't tell me what I should believe or should not believe.
Don't offend me with your ideas.
Don't tell me what to do or not to do.

Tolerance seems to win out. Tolerance seems to be easier than a real honest conversation. Tolerance seems best to fall back on since we have so many other things we have to do and give our attention too.

But, isn't tolerance an idea? Isn't tolerance a truth statement? Isn't tolerance a form of a belief system?

Few people love conflict. Most want to get along with others. So, it is easier to avoid topics that offend others. 

If we say nothing about the love of Jesus are we choosing tolerance over the Great Commission?

If we say nothing about the love of Jesus are we choosing comfort over Jesus? The way Jesus lived His life, His teachings, His torture and death were all very offensive. Yet, He did all of this to offer salvation to you, to me and to everyone. Then He said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been give to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations...." Matt 28:18-19

If we say nothing about the love of Jesus are we choosing comfort over love? When you love someone, don't you want the best for them? Aren't we desiring for them to become all that they were created to become? Isn't the most loving act anyone can do for another is to introduce them to Jesus?

Why was Paul arrested, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, flogged and eventually martyred? Because he loved Jesus enough to tell others about Him. Because he loved others so much that He did not want them to miss out on the greatest gift the world ever received, Jesus. Maybe instead of talking politics or issues, we can talk about the person of Jesus.

How offensive is it for you to invite someone to coffee or take a walk and ask them what they believe and why they believe it? Isn't it loving to become a student of them and their beliefs? Isn't it loving to really listen, ask questions and to be willing to share what you believe?

Of course, this may cause offense and uncomfortableness. But, isn't that what growing and maturing is all about, the freedom to share ideas in a loving, kind yet honest manner?
Seeking to share the love of Jesus,
Pastor Chris