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.