Webster defines tolerance as the ability or willingness to accept or endure something, especially opinions, behaviors, or conditions that one may not agree with or find difficult. It can apply to various aspects of life, including social, cultural, religious, and personal interactions. Tolerance is closely connected to patience, which is defined as the ability to endure delays, hardships, or difficulties without frustration or irritation. Patience is more about managing time and personal discomfort while waiting for something or someone to change or improve. In order to be tolerate, one must have patience.
Tolerance and patience are both bible principles. We are to be patient with each other and show each other love when we make mistakes and struggle. We are to be tolerant by bearing with one another and trying to live peacefully with each other as best we can (Eph. 4:2, Col. 3:31, and Romans 10:2). we need to live in a way that promotes patience and kindness with each other. After all, Paul tells us that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Cor. 13).
Satan knows we are called to live according to God’s will and is fully aware of His commands. From the very beginning, he has twisted God’s words to deceive humanity, leading them into sin—just as he did with Adam and Eve. This is exactly how he distorts tolerance and patience. He twists God’s commands to be kind, patient, and loving into a false idea that we must ignore, overlook, or even accept sin.
So, while we are called to be kind, patient, and loving toward others, we are also commanded to stand firm against sin. The Scriptures are filled with God’s commands urging us to stand firm against sin.
Resist him [Satan], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. – 1 Peter 5:9
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. – Eph. 5:11
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. – James 4:17
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. – Romans 12:2
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery [of sin]. – Gals. 5:1
Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins. – Isaiah 58:1
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. – Matthew 18:15
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. – 2 Tim. 4:2
We are called to stand against and speak out against sin, but we must do so with humility, love, and patience. Why are we called to stand against sin?
🎭 First, we expose the darkness because we are called to be the light of the world. Our light is meant to help others find their way out of Satan’s darkness. (Matthew 5)
🎭 Second, if we ignore sin, it becomes a corrupting force in our own lives. Paul warns the Corinthians, “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Cor. 5:6). The Corinthians prided themselves on being tolerant of sin in their midst, and Paul strongly rebukes them for it. He plainly told them that their approach was not something to boast about; instead, they should address the sin immediately.
Tolerance is a popular buzzword, and frankly, humanity has historically—and still does—struggled to show kindness and patience toward others. However, Biblical tolerance is not the same as Satan’s version of tolerance. It is important to know and recognize the difference. Worldly tolerance overlooks and even accepts sin; godly tolerance does not. One is a force for God, and once is a force for Satan. #SinsGreatMasquerade
Adonai's Appeal 