Is TOLERANCE a Virtue

or a Vice?

What is TOLERANCE?• Is it the same as “acceptance”?

Generally, tolerance is an attitude of sympathy or indulgence toward opposing views.

Logically, tolerance cannot be the same as acceptance because such is impossible with opposing views- if the opposing view is accepted, it is no longer opposing, cf. 1Cor.2:14.

However, for many today who preach the gospel of “tolerance,” logic doesn’t come into play.

To them, tolerance implies “acceptance”- that others must think and feel as I do, despite its real meaning.

What is TOLERANCE?• Is it then the same as being long-suffering,

forbearing, and patient?Obviously, these are related and at least to some degree required in being “tolerant,” but be careful…

Passages such Gal.5:22-23 and 2Pet.1:5-7 commend the fruit of the Spirit and so-called Christian graces, but note that “tolerance” is not listed among them.

However, we can and should be forbearing and patient toward those with opposing views, without accepting those views, when they regard human opinions rather than divine prerogatives, Rom.14:1ff.

Modern advocates of the gospel of “tolerance” usually attempt to coopt it in with the Christian graces.

What is TOLERANCE?

• Is it required by “love” and “compassion”?Again, let’s think this through logically AND with the aid of Scripture.Love is the supreme divine virtue, 1Cor.13:1-7,13.God loves everyone, John 3:16; Rom.5:8; Eph.2:4.But His love for us does not mean that He is or will be tolerant of our sins, Gen.6:5-7; Rom.2:3-8. Jesus’ love and compassion led Him to teach truth to people, Mark 6:34; And to urge them to correct their behavior, John 8:11.We’re supposed to imitate God/Christ, Eph.5:1- 4.

TOLERANCE in the Text

Let’s notice two primary passages:1. 1Cor.5:1-13 (the Greek term eao- to permit or leave

alone is not found here, but the concept certainly is)v.1, sin was definitely present in the church

v.2, they were tolerating it

vv.3-5a, 6b-13, they were told to instead remove him

vv.2a,6a, their tolerance of this sinful behavior, and their apparent arrogance/boasting about it, was condemned

vv.5b,6b, but the purpose of the prescribed action was to save his soul and theirs

Which was more compassionate: their current course of toleration, or the prescribe one that saved? 2Cor.2:5-8.

TOLERANCE in the Text

Let’s notice two primary passages:2. Rev.2:20 (the term apheis- to leave in place)

A false prophetess was being tolerated.

She taught and lead others into sinful practices, v.20.

She needed, and was given time to repent, v.21.

Punishment from God was forthcoming, vv.22-23a,

But so also was accountability to them for their toleration of her sinful activity, v.23b.

TOLERANCE- the take with you points:

• Despite the efforts to redefine “tolerance,” it still does not mean “acceptance.”

• It does mean that we can and should be forbearing, long-suffering, and patient with one another in matters of opinion, but such does not include behaviors (whatever they may be) that God condemns as sinful.

• In God’s Word, tolerance of sinful behaviors and practices is criticized and condemned rather than commanded and commended.

• But always, we must maintain, as per the example of Jesus, the desire to save from condemnation, Luke 19:10; Matt.9:10-13; and speak and act accordingly, Col.4:5-6.