1521) We are living in a time when the word tolerance has changed its meaning. When many use the word now, it often means acceptance of whatever behavior is in the forefront. This sort of tolerance is not what the Bible admonishes.

In Ephesians 4:2, Paul tells us to be humble and gentle with others; traits that certainly would make our world a better place and then Paul says to be patient with others, bearing them up with love. These words, bearing up in the Greek, is anechó which means to tolerate them. The emphasis of this word means to suffer with or endure with another. This involves no acceptance of their behavior. Instead, it means to hold them up despite their behavior, believing God will work within each person.

Rejection of others may communicate you are against whatever they are doing, but it doesn’t pave the way to repentance either.