Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8353 tolerance

The virtue of being prepared to accept people and their viewpoints. While commended within the church, Scripture insists that believers must have a vital concern for maintaining and defending the truth.

Toleration should be exercised for the benefit of those whose faith is weak

Romans 14:1 See also Romans 14:2-6,13-22; 1 Corinthians 8:8-13

Examples of tolerance

By Jesus Christ:

Matthew 19:13-14 pp Mark 10:13-14 pp Luke 18:15-16 in contrast to the disciples' intolerance; Mark 9:33-36 pp Luke 9:46-47; Mark 9:38-40 pp Luke 9:49-50 Philippians 1:17-18 by Paul

Limits to toleration

Evil cannot be tolerated

Habakkuk 1:13

Wickedness cannot be tolerated

Revelation 2:2

Serious doctrinal errors cannot be tolerated

Galatians 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 See also 1 Timothy 6:3-5,20-21; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 2 Peter 2:1

Sexual sin should not be tolerated

1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Corinthians 6:18-20; Revelation 2:14

Idolatry should not be tolerated

1 Corinthians 10:7; 1 John 5:21

See also

1095  God, patience of
1460  truth
5661  brothers
5762  attitudes, God to people
6237  sexual sin
6602  acceptance
8026  faith, growth in
8282  intolerance
8298  love for one another
8318  patience