What is the Bible's stance on tolerance?

Definition of Tolerance in a Biblical Context

Tolerance, as commonly understood, involves acceptance or forbearance toward beliefs, practices, or persons with whom one disagrees. In the context of Scripture, tolerance is interwoven with love for one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), the call to show mercy (Matthew 5:7), and the commitment to stay faithful to God’s righteous standards. The Bible upholds patience, understanding, and kindness as qualities that reflect the character of God (1 Corinthians 13:4). Yet, it equally emphasizes the call not to compromise truth and holiness (Ephesians 4:15). This balance between mercy toward individuals and loyalty to divine truth shapes the biblical stance on tolerance.

Old Testament Foundations

1. God’s Call to Distinguish Right from Wrong

In the Old Testament, Israel was ordained to be a “holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). They were instructed to avoid syncretizing their worship of Yahweh with the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 6:13–15). Such admonitions remind us that “tolerating” idolatry was not permissible for God’s people, lest they adopt destructive beliefs and behaviors. Yet, God called His people to treat foreigners among them with kindness and fairness (Leviticus 19:33–34), evidencing that upholding purity of worship does not conflict with showing compassion to outsiders.

2. Confronting Sin With Love

The Torah outlines the principle of correcting one’s neighbor in love: “You must not hate your brother in your heart. Reprove your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt” (Leviticus 19:17). This instruction indicates a healthy form of tolerance in which wrongdoing is addressed, but interpersonal relationships remain governed by compassion. While sin was not to be ignored, neither was it to be handled harshly or with hatred.

The Teachings of Jesus on Tolerance

1. Love as the Guiding Standard

Jesus taught, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) as part of the greatest commandments. This ethic demands kindness and empathy, even toward adversaries (Matthew 5:44). Love is the anchor that directs believers to show patience and goodwill, reflecting how God the Father “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45).

2. Distinguishing the Person from the Sin

In the Gospels, Jesus consistently welcomed sinners, extending them grace and friendship (Luke 19:5–10). However, He also called them to repentance (Mark 1:15). This distinction between compassion toward people and rejection of sin helps define biblical tolerance: standing firmly on God’s moral truth while extending mercy and hope to all. Jesus’ famous interaction with the woman caught in adultery ends with a charge, “Go now and sin no more” (John 8:11). The acceptance of the person did not include acceptance of the sin.

Tolerance in the Early Church

1. Inclusivity Amid Cultural Differences

In the Book of Acts, the early believers wrestled with how to include Gentile converts. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) determined that while salvation is by grace through faith, certain practices contrary to God’s righteous standards (like idolatry) needed avoidance. This highlights a balance: Gentiles were welcomed into fellowship, but community life still upheld core moral boundaries taught in Scripture.

2. Emphasis on Unity Despite Disputable Matters

Romans 14 provides guidance on “disputable matters,” such as dietary preferences or observance of certain days. The church at Rome included Jewish and Gentile believers who differed on these customs. Paul called for forbearance and understanding, stating, “Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). The instruction was to remain united in Christ while respecting differing convictions on nonessential points.

Limits of Tolerance

1. Holding Fast to Sound Doctrine

Tolerance cannot extend to distortions that compromise foundational truths of the faith. Paul warned against those who would preach a “different gospel” (Galatians 1:6–9). Within the church, tolerance is not a license to endorse false teaching that leads believers astray. This delineation between essential doctrines and secondary issues helped the early church preserve the core message of Christ crucified and risen (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

2. Addressing Persistently Harmful Behavior

The New Testament instructs believers to address unrepentant sin within the church for the good of the individual and the community (1 Corinthians 5:1–7). Such correction, however, is always meant to be restorative, aiming to bring the individual back into fellowship with God and the congregation (Galatians 6:1). Tolerance of open, destructive sin without correction harms both the offender and the community at large.

Examples from Archaeology and History

Archaeological findings such as the Dead Sea Scrolls corroborate Old Testament texts that emphasize holiness and separation from immoral practices. These documents reveal the strict communal codes that mirrored biblical commands for purity in worship.

Early Christian writings outside the New Testament (e.g., the Epistle of Polycarp, c. 2nd century) also support the idea that believers were called to love and patience toward outsiders, yet firm adherence to apostolic teaching. Such historical examples underscore that the tension between grace for people and commitment to doctrinal truth has always been part of the church’s life.

Practical Applications of Biblical Tolerance

1. Engaging Peacefully with Others

Romans 12:18 instructs, “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Believers are to strive for peace, even in contexts where convictions collide. Dialoguing respectfully without diluting essential truths exemplifies biblical tolerance in action.

2. Speaking the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15 directs followers of Christ to keep truth and love united. When sharing the gospel or addressing moral concerns, gentleness and empathy open hearts more effectively than hostility. Authentic tolerance acknowledges differences while extending compassion and understanding.

3. Welcoming Seekers While Maintaining Moral Boundaries

The Bible encourages believers to welcome nonbelievers, seekers, and those from all walks of life into fellowship (Luke 14:23), reflecting the broad offer of salvation in Christ (John 3:16). Yet, individual and communal life remains guided by God’s moral instructions, ensuring that acceptance of the person does not lead to endorsing sin.

Conclusion

The biblical stance on tolerance threads together love, mercy, and truth. Scripture portrays a God who shows kindness and patience to all while simultaneously calling humanity to repentance and faithfulness. Followers of Christ are expected to exemplify this balance in their dealings with others: exercising forbearance toward those with differing views, cultures, or practices, yet clinging steadfastly to the essential teachings of Scripture. In so doing, the people of God reflect both the gracious welcome of the gospel and the holy standard of God’s righteousness.