Definition and Context:
Tolerating, in a biblical context, refers to the act of allowing or enduring the existence of opinions, behaviors, or practices that one may not necessarily agree with. It involves patience and restraint in the face of differing beliefs or actions. The concept of tolerance is often discussed in relation to love, patience, and the Christian duty to live peaceably with others.

Biblical References:

1. Love and Patience:
Tolerance is closely linked to the biblical virtues of love and patience. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , the Apostle Paul describes love as patient and kind, not easily angered, and keeping no record of wrongs. This passage underscores the importance of enduring and bearing with one another in love, which is a form of tolerance.

2. Living Peaceably:
Romans 12:18 advises believers, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse suggests that Christians should strive to maintain peace and harmony, which often requires a degree of tolerance towards others' differences.

3. Bearing with One Another:
Ephesians 4:2 encourages believers to conduct themselves "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love." This exhortation highlights the need for tolerance as part of the Christian walk, emphasizing humility and patience.

4. Avoiding Judgment:
In Romans 14:1-4 , Paul addresses the issue of disputable matters among believers, urging them not to judge one another over differences in opinion. He writes, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions." This passage calls for tolerance in matters of personal conviction and conscience.

5. Jesus’ Example:
Jesus exemplified tolerance in His interactions with various individuals, including those marginalized by society. In John 4, Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well, breaking cultural norms and demonstrating acceptance and understanding.

Theological Implications:

· Balance with Truth:
While tolerance is a virtue, it must be balanced with adherence to biblical truth. Christians are called to tolerate others without compromising their commitment to the teachings of Scripture. Ephesians 4:15 instructs believers to "speak the truth in love," indicating that truth and love, including tolerance, must coexist.

· Church Discipline:
The New Testament also addresses the limits of tolerance within the church community. In cases of unrepentant sin, church discipline is prescribed (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-5). This demonstrates that tolerance does not equate to the acceptance of sin but requires discernment and adherence to biblical standards.

· Witness to the World:
Tolerance can serve as a powerful witness to the world. By demonstrating love and patience, Christians can reflect the character of Christ and draw others to the faith. Colossians 4:5-6 advises believers to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."

Practical Application:

· Interpersonal Relationships:
In daily interactions, Christians are encouraged to practice tolerance by listening to others, showing empathy, and respecting differing viewpoints while maintaining their own convictions.

· Cultural Engagement:
In engaging with broader society, believers are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), which involves being tolerant and respectful, yet distinct in their values and beliefs.

· Church Unity:
Within the church, tolerance is essential for unity and harmony. Philippians 2:2-3 urges believers to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose," which requires a tolerant and humble attitude towards one another.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tolerate.

The Westminster Standards in America.
... The only change made in the Larger Catechism was the striking out of the words
'tolerating a false religion,' among the sins forbidden in the Second ...
/.../ 98 the westminster standards.htm

Malachy's Pity for his Deceased Sister. He Restores the Monastery ...
... glory of His name. But those who had sent him,[281] tolerating his absence
no longer, recalled him by letters. When he was restored ...
/.../chapter ii malachys pity for.htm

Twenty-Fifth Day. Holy and Blameless.
... And so, while most intent on trying to discover the secret of true and full holiness
from the Divine side, he may be tolerating faults which all around him can ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-fifth day holy and blameless.htm

Gideon's Altar
... Apparently up to the moment of this vision he had been contentedly tolerating
the idolatrous practices which had spread over all the country. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gideons altar.htm

The Westminster Catechisms.
... The textual variations are insignificant, except that the American (General Assembly's)
editions of the Larger Catechism omit the words 'tolerating a false ...
/.../ 96 the westminster catechisms.htm

That the Union of Our Will with the Good-Pleasure of God Takes ...
... all its exercises,"abnegation of self, which is far more than to abstain from pleasures,
carrying the cross, which is far more than tolerating or sustaining ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that the union.htm

What are the Sins Forbidden in the Seventh Commandment?
... wanton looks, impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel; prohibiting of lawful,
and dispensing with unlawful marriages; allowing, tolerating, keeping of ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 139 0 0 what are the.htm

What are the Sins Forbidden in the Second Commandment?
... commandment are, all devising, counseling, commanding, using, and anywise approving,
any religious worship not instituted by God himself; tolerating a false ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 109 0 0 what are the.htm

The Bishops of Rome.
... The bishops of Constantinople kept themselves free from this [sort of conduct];
inasmuch as in addition to tolerating them and permitting them to hold their ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xi the bishops of rome.htm

Elucidations.
... But I must here note, that as "words are things," and as infinite damage has been
done to history and to Christian truth by tolerating this empiricism of Rome ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/elucidations.htm

Tolerating (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tolerating (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 11:19 Wise as
you yourselves are, you find pleasure in tolerating fools. (WEY). ...
/t/tolerating.htm - 6k

Toleration (1 Occurrence)

/t/toleration.htm - 7k

Tolerated (1 Occurrence)

/t/tolerated.htm - 6k

Tolerate (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tolerate (8 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:19 Wise as
you yourselves are, you find pleasure in tolerating fools. (See NAS). ...
/t/tolerate.htm - 9k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... dark with trouble. He is specially condemned for tolerating the worship
of the golden calves (2 Kings 10:29-31). Nevertheless the ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Pleasure (331 Occurrences)
... a ready giver. (BBE). 2 Corinthians 11:19 Wise as you yourselves are, you
find pleasure in tolerating fools. (WEY). 2 Corinthians ...
/p/pleasure.htm - 40k

What does it mean that “all things are lawful unto me” (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the doctrine of Balaam? | GotQuestions.org

What is cultural Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

Tolerating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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