AVIZANDUM: A Time for Tolerance

Avizandam In Scots law, this term describes the careful consideration given by the judge before an important decision. Join me each week as we explore various topics from a spiritual perspective and take matters Avisandum.

Solomon writes, For everything there is a season. and a time for every matter under heaven. I want to share a few thoughts about a time for tolerance. Are Christians to be tolerant or intolerant? Obviously it depends on the situation.

It's very easy to adopt the attitude of the Pharisee. separate ourselves from those with whom we disagree, and administer harsh judgment. It's also easy to give the impression that it doesn't matter what people believe or how they act. After all, It said we don't want to judge them.

So what are we to do? On the one hand, we don't want to be Pharisees. And on the other hand, we don't want to be those who are wishy-washy about their faith and have no convictions. As Christians we believe in truth. We believe that truth is not arrived at by people getting together and looking for a consensus.

We also don't believe that truth comes from our inner feelings or prejudices. That truth does not come from legislatures or the Supreme Court. We certainly reject that. Truth is revealed from God. And Jesus said, I am the truth.

He also said God's Word is truth. The Bible not only points to the truth, it is the truth, the living word of God which comes from the mouth of God.

So We must understand the truth. Proverbs twenty three verse twenty three buy truth and do not sell it by wisdom, instruction and understanding. To those who don't accept the truth of Holy Scripture, our views may seem intolerant. For example, Scripture clearly teaches that marriage is between a man and a woman. There can be no compromise on this unless we disregard the teaching of Holy Scripture.

However, it is important how we communicate with those who disagree. as well as speaking the truth, We need to listen to others.

Sometimes we speak too much. Therefore we have to develop the art of listening to those with whom we disagree. What is the point of connection? Are we communicating in a loving and caring way? Or are we coming over as harsh, argumentative, and giving the impression that we're always right and they're wrong?

Right. I understand these are difficult matters to negotiate. But the tone of our conversation our attitude of humility, our care for the other person, must be present.

So Are we tolerant of those who interpret Scripture differently from us? What about those who worship in churches very different from ours? What about those within our own community of believers who have convictions about matters with which we disagree? Dogmatic assertions about secondary issues. can come across as very harsh.

Sometimes those who have a doctrinal difference give the impression that if only we knew Scripture as well as they did, We would agree with them. With those of different faiths and different churches, I usually discuss the question of authority. I believe that Holy Scripture Is the only infallible revelation of God. That is in written form. Church tradition.

the Church Fathers, confessions of the reformers, and so on, may be very helpful, very interesting. but they can never be the ultimate authority. Everything. including the Articles of Faith of Calvary Church. including the Church Fathers, everything must be subordinate to Holy Scripture.

But when talking to others, Be kind, be considerate. People who have been raised in a particular church tradition or belief system may take quite a time to understand that what they have been taught is not always right. They may have a strong emotional attachment to the faith and beliefs of their parents. Granpin, siblings and so on. and in some cases they may be right and we are wrong.

So Be understanding of others. Respect the right to disagree. Don't impugn their motives. Don't quickly call them heretics. Don't make personal judgments against them.

always keep pointing them to the word of God. In some instances we may be perceived as intolerant But we must understand the whirl's truth. There's also error. God is a God of truth. and we who love him must be committed to his truth.

But let's be tolerant. in the sense of not judging people's motives. of allowing them time to consider and discuss without feeling or judging them. and certainly be intolerant of your own sinful attitudes always. Keep displaying and proclaiming.

The Lord Jesus. Avazander. You're listening to the weekly Avizandam podcast from The Verdict, featuring Pastor John Monroe. John is Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Listen to John's daily program, The Verdict, on broadcast radio or major podcast platforms.

For more information about the Verdict Ministry, visit us online at calvarychurch.com/slash the verdict.