CONTROVERSY IV: What about Tolerance?

(This is a new article series that I am "trying out" with my readers. These are intended to be thought-provoking. Please see their Intro Article: Jan. 26, 2008)

Have you noticed that it seems the Church today is prone to tolerate inappropriate behavior, and that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to tell a Christian apart from a non-Christian?

The Church is supposed to be a light in the darkness, but why is it that her “statistics” are little different than the world’s? Within the Church, divorce rates are nearly equal with the culture’s; pornography is rampant among both men and women in the world and among Christians. And I don’t have to mention the horrible stories that have surfaced about leading men and women pastor’s and their private lives.

In our attempts to be “relevant” with our neighbors, we are becoming like them, succumbing to the temptations of the flesh, to which none of us are immune.

I think we have a misunderstanding of the meaning of “tolerance.” We take that to mean acceptance and overlooking a wrong, when that is not the inherent meaning of the word. “Tolerance” means “forbearance, patience;” it is acceptance of the individual, but rejection of the beliefs. We are not teaching anyone anything if we allow people to continue in their sins…besides, their sins will eventually affect us, which is why Paul talks about being mindful of who you fellowship with (ref. 2 Cor. 6:14-17). We can love an individual who is trapped in sin, but we must always be ready (for the right timing/as the Spirit leads) to point out that their sin is sin—and that it has to be dealt with.

Paul confronted the Corinthian church because they accepted and lauded the man caught in heinous immorality. True tolerance would have brought in the individual, loved him enough to confront him of his wrongs, and then help him to leave his lifestyle...true tolerance is following the Matt. 18 principle of confrontation. If the individual doesn’t listen to one, take a witness; doesn’t listen to 2, take him to the elders, doesn’t listen to the elders, take him before the church; doesn’t listen to the church, cast him out so that Satan can destroy his flesh and his spirit might be saved (as Paul recommended).

Paul, in essence, was indicting the church’s lack of love for the sinner! They didn’t love him enough to correct his wrong! That’s what the Hebrews writer refers to when it comes to God’s love and discipline,

“‘…the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.’ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.” (Heb. 12:6-8)

Now, I’m not saying that we need to go condemn everyone who walks in the church doors. Rather, we must purpose is to love these individuals trapped in sin, and then, when the timing is right, help them see that their lifestyle leads only to destruction. We don’t need to beat them over the head with the Bible, but strive for patience, love, and correction at the appropriate time…we mustn’t be afraid to confront an issue. We can confront sin in gentleness and love, accepting the individual and seeking to lead him out of his sin.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:1-2)