Truth and Tolerance

How do we speak the truth of the gospel when the world doesn’t always value truth? When I consider the changes my country has made in the name of tolerance toward various beliefs and ideas, fear casts a shadow
over my heart. Can you be both truthful and tolerant at the same time? How do you show love, yet at the same time, stand for what you know to be truth? Is there a different time and place to speak up and to remain silent? These questions keep percolating in my brain, and you might have had similar thoughts.

Here’s what we can always return to: What does the Word of God say? Our final authority on everything, as children of God, should be the Bible because it is God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If something doesn’t line up with the Word, it isn’t truth. Second Corinthians 4 talks about not twisting the words of the Bible but instead presenting “the truth plainly†(verse 2).

But what does sharing this good news look like? You have probably heard the saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.†When talking to someone who may not share the same beliefs as you, remember to listen to them. Jesus was an excellent example of being a good listener. He asked questions, even though He already knew the answers. Read the Gospels—the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible—to see how Jesus spoke to and treated the lost.

Colossians 4:5-6 advises us: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.†If we need wisdom, we can ask God, who is eager to give it (James 1:5). “Speaking the truth in love†means loving the person, no matter what their beliefs (Ephesians 4:15).

As you love others through your words and actions, perhaps they will desire to know Jesus, the Source of true freedom and the One who loves you both (John 8:32; 1 John 3:18; Romans 5:8). • Savannah Coleman

• Do you struggle more with being truthful or tolerant? For some people, truth can be easier than tolerance, and vice versa.

• In your life, who needs to hear the good news of Jesus? Ask God for wisdom in striking the delicate balance between truth and tolerance in your interactions with people who don’t know Jesus.

• In some instances—such as salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone—the truth is simple and not gray at all. But there are other situations that are not so black and white. When faced with a controversial issue, check the Word of God first. Pray about the circumstance and lean on the Holy Spirit to guide you. Finally, who are wise Christians in your life you can ask about tough issues?

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

Read Verses:

2 Corinthians 4:1-10