Intolerance
is a human trait that affects everyone at some level and can be so complex as
to make a minor noise appear like a major disturbance. Recently, I was having
lunch with friends when the noise level made it impossible to communicate. We can
develop intolerance for a person or for situations that don’t meet our needs.
The French philosopher
Voltaire wrote in 1764, "Tolerance is the prerogative of humanity. We are
all steeped in weaknesses so let us forgive one another's follies. This is the
first law of nature." Forgiveness is the willingness to accept another
person’s differences with compassion and love. Forgiveness builds a bridge to tolerance.
The apostle Paul cried out to God, "O
wretched man that I am. Who shall deliver me from this body of sin and
death?" He positioned himself before God this way while actively
carrying out the Lord’s command to evangelize the world. Paul’s deliverance,
restoration and forgiveness came through faith in Jesus Christ.
___________________________
It’s wise to be
patient and show what you are like by forgiving others.
~Proverbs 19:11 Contemporary
English Version
You are the
people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be
tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a
complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord
has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things
together in perfect unity.
~Colossians 3:12-14 Good
News Bible
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