Here’s a thought: to all those who like to point out just how intolerant Christians are, how unwilling they are to compromise their beliefs to suit others’ opinions – you are still alive, aren’t you?
Christians are extremely tolerant, because they do not see those who oppose them as enemies. Those who follow Jesus Christ see all humans as family. Families differ and may have arguments, but they are still family.
Before Jesus, the God of the Bible was rather definite in how He treated those who made themselves His enemy. He wiped them out. Those who made themselves enemies of God and enemies of those who walked with God had the tendency to die. Judgment was absolute. Read it. It is in the Bible. It is not a threat. It was their reality.
After Jesus, the command was to reach the entire world with Jesus’ message and teachings. One of those is that Jesus came to give life, and that more abundantly. Another was that it was his desire that none should perish but all come to life.
So, rather than praying that the God of Israel break the teeth in the mouths of their enemies, as King David prayed, Christians asked God to forgive those who sin and those who persecuted them, because the Bible is pretty definite on what happens to those outside of life in Jesus Christ. And, those in Christ have experienced the goodness of God. Who wouldn’t want that for the world? Only those outside of Christ.
What is perceived as Christian intolerance is actually a Christian unwillingness to compromise what they know to be true. God, Jesus, the Bible, and those who really follow after God through Jesus Christ will appear intolerant. Their intolerance is chiefly directed at those things they know lead to death, a life outside of the God of the Bible. Differences in opinion will arise and that is fine. Just do not expect those who are in Christ to agree with your view, lifestyle, or deeply held beliefs if those views, lifestyles, or deeply held beliefs disagree with the God of the Bible.
One final note on this subject: do not let yourself be found at odds with the God of the Judeo-Christian Bible. It will not go well for you. While you yet breathe, you have the option to agree or disagree with God. It is your choice. After that, when you stop breathing, that option no longer exists. Be wise. Do not be found as an enemy of God.
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