Linda Diane Thompson, an American songwriter and former actress once remarked: Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together. 1 Peter 3:8-11 reminds us: Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with. It encompasses the forbearance to exercise restraint in situations where division of thought is prevalent. Everyone is individualistic and perceives the actions or words of another differently. It is the unique capability to accept freedom of speech as a right for everyone, whether that may be regarded as actually right or wrong.
Tolerance is not usually dependent on the conclusions and actions of others over minor everyday issues in life. However, it could be of significant importance where there are prospects of radical changes or where the wrong decision may incur disastrous or irrevocable results. It is in cases like these that perhaps a rethink, with an element of tolerance and further consideration may need to be explored.
Each day in life is different. It can be made up of both good and bad moments in time. We may experience both pleasantries and adversities. Some people in life may display an egoistic nature. One of their prominent traits may suggest that they believe that their thinking, and only their thinking, is right. If their opinions are not received favorably by others, they may adopt bullying tactics to force their views home, others may alternatively be considered altruistic. Thus a so-called balance in life is created, whether proportionality or not is attained. Proverbs 11:1 reminds us: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish priest and theologian of the 16th century believed that as people come to have a greater understanding and discernment of worldly events, personal thinking and vision may lead them to think and act in new ways. Thus the same applies to our relationship with God. As we understand more from the greater knowledge attained from the thoughts and workings of God, primarily from Biblical sources, so our perspectives in life may also change. Ephesians 4:2 urges: “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Ignatius encouraged “The Examen,” as a means of discerning God’s direction for all in life. This is defined as an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites each and every one of us to seek and associate the possible presence or actions of God in all the people and events of our day. Everything in life is usually done for a specific reason, whether that be for Godly purposes or otherwise.
It may invite the questions: “Why was a particular deed performed or, alternatively, why was a certain thing said?” The Examen suggests in several different formats, five spiritual exercises to be followed. These may include: Giving thanks. Spending a few moments in gratitude for the gifts and blessings of the day, seeking to encounter God and His guidance in our lives. Seeking forgiveness for our thoughtless actions or remarks, or reviewing our day and the events that took place, and looking toward tomorrow and how we can better deal with it from what we have learned.
Timothy M. Gallagher, an American priest once remarked of the examen: “I become aware of the love with which God looks upon me as I begin this examen. Step One: Gratitude. I note the gifts that God’s love has given me this day, and I give thanks to God for them. Step Two: Petition. I ask God for an insight and a strength that will make this examen a work of grace, fruitful beyond my human capacity alone. Step Three: Review. With my God, I review the day. I look for the stirrings in my heart and the thoughts that God has given me this day. I look also for those that have not been of God. I review my choices in response to both, and throughout the day in general. Step Four: Forgiveness. I ask for the healing touch of the forgiving God who, with love and respect for me, removes my heart’s burdens. Step Five: Renewal. I look to the following day and, with God, plan concretely how to live it in accord with God’s loving desire for my life. Transition: Aware of God’s presence with me, I prayerfully conclude the examen.”
Life is a learning process from start to finish. If we make mistakes, ideally we are meant to learn from them. If we say things without due thought or consideration, we are displaying an element of disrespect. Tolerance, is a basic right that is sadly lacking in some. It fundamentally invokes respect for another. If mixed races are to live together in harmony, that requires respect for each individual within the community. It is one of the essential elements of peace. If we don’t have tolerance for each and everyone, then conflict in one form or another is inevitable. Romans 12:16-21 confirms: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Sadly, for some, tolerance has been perceived as a flawed virtue as it is considered as an acceptance of thinking that may be better relegated or rejected. Virtue or goodness is not seen to prevail in its existence. However, in constructive thinking, it could also be seen as an alternative, less aggravated and diplomatic solution to friction from the possible disastrous effects of out-of-hand dismissal. If constructive reasoning is used in any viably suggested solution, then the problem of repudiation may not need to occur. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 reminds us: “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
Amen.
