I saved this character trait for last. As we close out our look at the character of God, I wanted to look at Tolerance, a vanishing concept in our society. We are not very tolerant, we want agreement. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Can we agree to disagree? In our society the concept of having a different opinion than someone else is not allowed. If others do not agree with the PC police they are haters. They are considered bad and evil. That is not so, that is not right. That is not the way it should be.
The racing world is governed by rules. The rules are subject to interpretation. Racers push the envelope, officials inspect and reign in those creative endeavors that are judged to exceed the limits. The process is understood, the give and take makes the garage area interesting.
The same give and take is absent from our society. Webster’s dictionary has been abridged and the word tolerance has been removed. We are told that we need to accept everything that the PC crowd decides is right, if we don’t we are labeled “haters”, “intolerant” and “judgmental”.
Let me say this once; That is wrong and has no place in a loving and caring society. We are not robots to be dictated to about what is acceptable. We can have a difference of opinion. We can disagree on what is acceptable, but that doesn’t make people haters. It just means we see things differently.
We are blessed that God is tolerant, there is not one of us that can meet His perfection. He tolerates our imperfection and provides a way for us to still have a relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ.
Romans 2:4, (NLT), Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
Romans 3:23, (NLT), For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
Romans 5:6-11, (NLT), When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Tolerance is when we disagree the lifestyle, decisions and views of others but the love we have for them is greater. We tolerate their choices and do not allow them to become obstacles in our relationship. We do not accept them, we do not agree with them, we will never call bad good. We will walk alongside, supporting, guiding, helping people find the way that pleases God.
Remember this, if God is the creator of life and knows us intimately, who should know better what is best for us, each one of us, in the life He created for us.
God is wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient. How do we stack up? I think we might have some work to do. I encourage you to accept the offer of life that God makes available to us through Jesus. Turn your life over to Him and see that He does know what is best for us.
Amen!
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.