In today’s text, biblical tolerance is demonstrated by Christ Jesus in dealing with the Samaritans as “they did not receive him, because he was traveling toward Jerusalem” (v 52). The 1828 Webster dictionary defines the word tolerance as “the power or capacity of enduring; or the act of enduring”. Tolerance is a Christian idea as the United States is founded on the First Amendment. Tolerance is other-centered rather than self-centered; it never retaliates. Biblical tolerance holds fast to the truth, yet showing compassion and leniency.
Jesus’ goal was to end up in Jerusalem as he approached his ascension. His ascension would include Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection and ultimately his ascension into Heaven. In other words, the idea of going to Jerusalem is motivated by God’s love demonstrated through the sending of Jesus into the world to save sinners. And heading into Jerusalem was the beginning of the Lord’s tolerance in spite of sinners’ unbelief and hatred of him. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
God shows his tolerance and leniency so that sinners would repent. Prior to the sinner’s repentance, God extends his tolerance in the form of common grace to the world. “[Common grace] means that God, without renewing the heart, exercises such influence that even the unsaved man is enabled to perform good deeds toward his fellow man” (Norman Geisler). Why is God so tolerant? Because he is gracious and understands people are sinners.
Even though tolerance is a biblical idea, not all tolerance is good. Tolerance has its boundary. Biblical tolerance always is regulated by the truth. Truth can only be found in the Word of God. In other words, the Bible regulates what is tolerance. Anything else is a byproduct of cultural relativism.
Moreover, biblical tolerance only bows to God and his word. Jesus exercises intolerance as well when anything goes against God and his word. The tiebreaker between tolerance and intolerance is the Bible. Therefore, Christians are to be tolerant based on what Scripture reveals. “I am not permitted to let my love be so merciful as to tolerate and endure false doctrine. When faith and doctrine are concerned and endangered, neither love nor patience are in order. … When these are concerned, neither toleration nor mercy are in order, but only anger, dispute, and destruction—to be sure, only with the Word of God as our weapon” (Martin Luther).
Warning signs when Christians become tolerant unbiblically.
- Overlooking sin in others and to confront the sin.
- Offender might be in danger due to the sin (Gal. 6:1-2).
- When the sin hurts the church.
- Sin causing a broken relationship.
It is not the job of Christians to condemn sinners. God judges sinners. Biblical tolerance practiced by believers is demonstrated in their desire for the sinner to repent and put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God is tolerant but not tolerant for sin. This applies to the church and the Lord commands each member to be intolerant of sin.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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