Many people in our society are quick to point out how Bible-believing Christians are “intolerant.” If you dare present how God plainly condemns homosexuality – then you are “intolerant.” If you speak God’s truth regarding abortion, you again are labeled as “intolerant.” So, the question begs, “Can I be religious – and be tolerant?” That will depend on what definition of the word “tolerant” you use. You see, many people will argue that the “tolerance” they speak of is merely patience and understanding… but is that really their motive? 

During the Captivity, we read of the young man Daniel who was hand-picked for government service. Daniel was one “in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king’s delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king.” (Daniel 1:4-5) Although Daniel was offered the best to eat and drink, he did not partake because he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” (Daniel 1:8) Daniel was both patient and respectful in his demeanor but would not violate his conscience by going against the laws of God.

In the Early Church, Peter and John were arrested by the Sadducees for preaching about Jesus’ resurrection. The Sadducees were unable to refute their teaching because they could see the miraculous healing of a man who stood by their side. However, the Sadducees commanded them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John refused to obey, saying that they could not help but share what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:2-20). Later, when they faced opposition for speaking the truth, Peter and the other apostles declared that they would obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

You might be wondering how these examples exhibit tolerance. These are examples that indeed show patience, understanding, and respect. Daniel and Peter weren’t disrespectful in their demeanor… but they were understanding and patient… while standing firm in their convictions. You see, there is a big difference in the tolerance that some demand… and acceptance! People today aren’t asking you to be merely patient, understanding, and respectful in your demeanor. No – they want your approval for their sinful behavior. Asking me to be patient with a homosexual or respectful toward a pro-choice individual is one thing – but demanding acceptance and approval is quite another. About how we speak upon these matters, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

Paul was a man who had remarkable visions. But, to keep him humble, he was afflicted with a thorn in his flesh. Despite requesting the Lord three times to remove it, his requests were denied. Eventually, Paul understood that he would rather be weak because he realized that his own strength was limited. When he solely relied on himself, he had nothing. However, when he acknowledged his weaknesses, he reached out to the strength beyond himself (the Lord Jesus Christ), which made him truly strong. Based on this realization, he was willing to accept his weakness and afflictions, and even gloried in them.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 

8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 

9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Holy God and Father in Heaven, great is Your faithfulness! I do not wish to underestimate the abilities that You have granted me, nor do I wish to overestimate them. Whether I am facing challenging circumstances, difficult personalities, adversarial people, or physical afflictions and ailments, I am convinced that all trials, tribulations, and temptations provide an opportunity for me to rely on Your strength! Even when my circumstances seem favorable, I must still rely on You. This passage reminds me not to grow despondent but to glory in the difficult times of life. Please help me to see this more clearly and to embrace every one of my life’s circumstances as an opportunity to rely upon and glorify You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Defending Integrity for the Gospel’s Sake 

Sometimes we might feel the need to defend ourselves when we are accused of doing something wrong. However, it is important to use good judgment and only speak up if it is necessary to protect our godly influence. 

Some people in Corinth tried to gain followers by speaking negatively about Paul’s character, so he expressed his Apostolic credentials, reluctantly. In defense against his adversaries, Paul questioned how he had wronged the Corinthians. Was it by preaching to them free of charge? He reminded them that his needs were met by the brethren from Macedonia, and that he was merely trying to prevent false teachers from deceiving the Corinthians. Simply put, Paul wanted to maintain his godly influence among them! He went on to describe his difficult labor and trials, both external (such as being imprisoned and beaten) and internal (such as his constant concern for the churches). 

5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 

6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.

7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?

8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. 

9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 

11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows!

12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

~ 2 Corinthians 11:5-15

If our wholesome influence among others is threatened by some who are impugning our integrity, we may very well need to defend our own character. But the Apostle Paul was a humble man who never boasted about himself because of pride, and neither should we.

Time and again, we find ourselves worrying about the circumstances that are out of our control. During the ‘Sermon on the Mount’, Jesus addressed the problem of worry and asked, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27) Worrying about your circumstances will not resolve anything, so what are we to do? 

Often, our biggest worries come from a mere failure to accept the circumstances we are in currently… and deal with them appropriately.  The apostle Paul found that his circumstances weren’t always the best, yet he proclaimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). His circumstances certainly were not ideal, yet his attitude remained stable. He was able to do this because of his faith and understanding that God gives us the tools to deal with even the most difficult and painful of circumstances. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Accepting and dealing with the cards we’ve been dealt might seem easier said than done. However, the fact remains that worry can be a stumbling block to contentment, joy, and even growth. So, the real question begs, “What will your current circumstance matter in the end?” Our focus must be on that which has eternal consequence! “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Let us seek to do the Lord’s will, and deal with difficult circumstances accordingly. 

Paul declared to the Jewish leaders that he had committed no wrongdoing and was taken prisoner by the Romans (after being delivered from the Jews). Even though the Romans were willing to set him free, the Jews objected, prompting Paul to appeal to Caesar. Despite being bound in chains, Paul did not complain against his own people to the emperor. Instead, he wore his chains for the sake of the hope of Israel. 

The Jews were curious about Paul and had not received any updates from Judea regarding him. They wanted to hear him speak and learn more about “this sect.” On the day of his preaching, Paul talked about Jesus and the Kingdom of God, using evidence from Moses and the prophets to support his claims. Some people believed his message, while others did not! Isaiah’s warning was relevant to the occasion, and the Gentiles were more receptive to the message than the Jews. 

The discourse must have been a powerful one, with even a Roman soldier nearby listening in. Luke used a balanced expression to indicate that some people believed in what Paul said, while others did not. This might suggest that the Jews were divided, with about half of them in agreement and the other half not. If the division had been more one-sided, Luke likely would have used words like “few” and “many” to describe it.

17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 

18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 

20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 

24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 

26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

~ Acts 28:17-29

Holy God and Father, You alone, are worthy to be praised. Please help me in learning important lessons from Paul and the Jews… I want to be like Paul, willing to follow wherever You lead me, even if that means being persecuted for spreading the gospel. May I never become bitter towards those who falsely accuse me. I want to eagerly accept all Your teaching and learn more of Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. I also want to help others to see Jesus within those Scriptures! Please help me to effectively persuade others with strong evidence (from Your word). Moreover, enable me to remain personally convicted, even if others don’t believe the evidence themselves. Give me the courage to be as bold as Paul, and to consider the hearts of those in my audience when sharing the gospel… I understand that You will take away your blessings from those who don’t accept what You have to offer. May I wholeheartedly accept Your will and live it in the right way. And please lead me to those who are more receptive to Your word. Thank you.

I am so blessed that God has made me truly loving (of Him, His ways, and my fellow man), joyful (in all things), peaceful (both inwardly and outwardly), patient (in all circumstances and all my dealings with others), kind (with all of my interactions), good (in God’s estimation), faithful (in all things), gentle (even when firm), and self-controlled (in every facet of my life; every fiber of my being). 

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 

24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

~ Galatians 5:22-25

My God and Father, thank You for renewing me through the blood of Jesus and for the Holy Spirit’s continual working in and through my life! May I continue refining, and realizing these truths to be evident within me, always. Please, let it be so!!

In Numbers chapter 31, the Lord commanded Moses to take vengeance upon the Midianites for the children of Israel. One thousand men were recruited, from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel to send to war. They warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded, and they killed all the males. However, the army took the women of Midian captive with their little ones and took as spoil all their cattle, flocks, and goods. The women of Midian had previously caused the children of Israel to commit ritualistic fornication, so Moses’s anger was aroused. He told the returning army to remember the actions of those women and the threat they posed, and he commanded the leaders to kill them (along with the little males). Sometimes, people get upset when thinking about this but if any were guilty of sin, then they were being justly punished by God. If any were innocent, they were being spared of further heartaches that this world of sin brings. Either way, those immoral women would not be a snare to the men of Israel, nor would the little males be a future threat of rebelling against the army of the Lord. God is always merciful and just. Moses was in the right also, sternly taking the people’s spiritual threats seriously.  

12 Then they brought the captives, the booty, and the spoil to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.

13 And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation, went to meet them outside the camp.

14 But Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who had come from the battle.

15 And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive?

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord.

17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man intimately.

18 But keep alive for yourselves all the young girls who have not known a man intimately.

19 And as for you, remain outside the camp seven days; whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day.

20 Purify every garment, everything made of leather, everything woven of goats’ hair, and everything made of wood.”

~ Numbers 31:12-20

Holy God, You are worthy to be praised. Please grant me mercy, grace, and peace through Your Son, Jesus. The wicked have posed threats to Your people since ancient times. Their influence can be seen in the downfall of those who have called upon You, such as during the time leading up to the great flood. Even strong individuals like Samson and wise kings like Solomon were affected. Although Balaam was not able to directly curse the children of Israel, he advised Balak to send immoral women into the camp, causing them to stumble. This is why the book of Proverbs provides many warnings against immorality! I ask for Your help in taking my spiritual threats seriously, and to take whatever necessary steps, even if extreme, to remain pure (Matthew 6:27-30; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13). If I see others not taking their threats seriously, please grant me the wisdom and courage to lead them, like Moses. While we are not involved in physical warfare and violence, let us remove any stumbling blocks that hinder our spiritual growth and conviction of faith! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.