A reader of one of our posts offered the point that the deterioration of Biblical Christianity in America is a sign that Christians are becoming more “tolerant” of other religious beliefs and practices. Of course, he saw this trend as a positive one. However …

It is important to recognize a difference between the words “tolerance” and “grace.”

The increasing willingness on the part of Christians to accept other forms of religion in this country is an indication that we are abdicating our responsibility to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-15). This has been caused by a reduced Biblical understanding of our calling (1 Peter 2:9) and the fear of reprisal for our doctrinal beliefs (2 Timothy 3:12). More and more “Christians” are deconstructing … walking away from Biblically-based churches which are the foundation of sanctification (Ephesians 2:20-22).

Jesus was clear that tolerance was not His primary focus (Matthew 23:33). Rather, grace was His focus, which is quite different. Grace is a recognition of sin but a willingness to love the sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Tolerance is defined by Webster as, “capacity to endure pain or hardship” and “the allowable deviation from a standard.”

Grace is defined by Webster as, “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”

Jesus reminded believers that they (we) will be persecuted for our faith and beliefs (John 15:18). We are to respond with “grace,” which does not always include “tolerance” for sin, but always needs to demonstrate a love for the sinner. There are times (especially when we sense a divine appointment from God) where the greatest expression of our love for the lost would be to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, rather than be “tolerant” of destructive behavior that continues to separate the lost from His love and grace.

The difference between grace (love) and tolerance (passive acquiescence) is significant.