Sermon Central
-
Tolerance Of Others Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 12, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Tolerance is a Christian virtue rooted in love, humility, and understanding. It involves accepting others with their differences in opinion, background, and level of spiritual maturity.
TOLERANCE OF OTHERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 14:1-4
"Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarrelling over disputable matters. One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand."
Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:2, Matthew 7:1-2, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, James 2:1
INTRODUCTION:
Tolerance is a Christian virtue rooted in love, humility, and understanding. It involves accepting others with their differences in opinion, background, and level of spiritual maturity. Tolerance does not mean compromising truth but showing patience and grace to others, just as God has shown us grace.
In a world full of diversity—of cultures, personalities, and even beliefs—it becomes vital for Christians to learn how to coexist peacefully with others without conflict or judgement. God desires His children to walk in love, overlooking faults and bearing with one another in unity and peace.
Tolerance is not weakness but spiritual strength. It shows maturity and Christlike character when we respond to disagreement with calmness and compassion rather than anger or division. This teaching will explore the importance of tolerance, how to develop it, and the blessings it brings.
1. GOD COMMANDS US TO LOVE AND ACCEPT OTHERS
God expects believers to embrace one another in love despite differences.
a) Love Is the Basis for Tolerance.
True love covers a multitude of faults and bears with others patiently (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
b) We Are All God’s Servants.
We should not judge others because God is their Master, not us (Romans 14:4).
c) God Accepts Everyone in Christ.
If God accepts someone, we must do the same (Romans 15:7).
d) Accepting Others Promotes Unity.
Unity in diversity reflects the beauty of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Biblical Example: Jesus tolerated the doubts of Thomas and lovingly revealed Himself to him (John 20:24-29).
2. TOLERANCE BUILDS STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships thrive when people are patient and understanding.
a) It Promotes Peace.
Tolerant people avoid unnecessary conflict and promote harmony (Romans 12:18).
b) It Encourages Growth.
Giving room for mistakes and learning helps others grow spiritually (Galatians 6:1-2).
c) It Deepens Trust.
People feel safe around those who accept them without harsh judgement (Colossians 3:13).
d) It Reflects God's Mercy.
God is patient with us, so we must extend that patience to others (2 Peter 3:9).
Biblical Example: Barnabas showed tolerance toward Mark, giving him a second chance despite Paul’s initial rejection (Acts 15:36-39).
3. INTOLERANCE LEADS TO DIVISION AND STRIFE
Where there is no tolerance, conflicts abound.
a) It Breeds Bitterness.
Unforgiveness and resentment grow when tolerance is absent (Hebrews 12:15).
b) It Destroys Unity.
The Church suffers when members cannot accommodate each other's differences (1 Corinthians 1:10).
c) It Harms Our Witness.
A divided church cannot reflect God’s love to the world (John 13:35).
d) It Makes Us Hypocrites.
We desire mercy from God but fail to give it to others (Matthew 7:1-5).
Biblical Example: The early church faced conflict between Jews and Gentiles, which was only resolved through mutual understanding (Acts 15:1-29).
4. HOW TO GROW IN TOLERANCE
Developing tolerance requires intentional spiritual discipline.
a) Pray for the Fruit of the Spirit.
Patience and kindness come through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
b) Renew Your Mind with God's Word.
The Word transforms how we see others (Romans 12:2).
c) Walk in Humility.
Humility helps us recognise our own need for grace (Philippians 2:3).
d) Learn to Listen Before You React.
Listening prevents misunderstanding and promotes empathy (James 1:19).
Biblical Example: Jesus showed great tolerance with His disciples, teaching them patiently despite their flaws (Luke 9:46-56).
5. BLESSINGS OF A TOLERANT HEART
Tolerance opens the door to divine favour and relational peace.
a) You Reflect the Nature of God.
God is merciful and longsuffering; showing tolerance aligns you with Him (Exodus 34:6).
b) You Build Stronger Communities.
Families, churches, and societies flourish where tolerance abounds (Psalm 133:1).
c) You Avoid Unnecessary Offence.
Tolerance keeps you from overreacting or causing division (Proverbs 19:11).
d) You Grow Spiritually.
Tolerance is a mark of maturity in Christ (Hebrews 5:14).
Biblical Example: Paul taught tolerance among believers in the Roman church, urging them to avoid disputes over doubtful matters (Romans 14:1-13).
CONCLUSION:
Tolerance is not compromise—it is compassion. It is the ability to allow space for others to grow, differ, and be who they are in Christ. It reflects the heart of God and nurtures peace in our relationships and communities.
