Tolerance means the willingness to accept the opinions of people who are not like us.
In a real fellowship, not a superficial one, tolerance is genuine, heart-to-heart sharing. People are honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share hurts, reveal feelings, confess failures, disclose doubts, admit fears, acknowledge weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer. Only as we are open about our lives can we experience real fellowship.
Paul says to accept those who are weak in the faith. He also says, I want us to help each other with the faith we have; your faith will help me, and my faith will help you (Romans 1:12).
Tolerance brings mutuality, which is the heart of fellowship. Mutuality enables us to help each other build reciprocal relationship and share responsibilities.
All of us are more consistent in our faith when others work with us and encourage us. God expects us to do whatever we can to help them. The deepest fellowship is when we enter into each other’s pain and grief and carry each other’s burdens. We all need mercy, because we all stumble and fall and require help to get back on track again.
Excel in showing tolerance and respect to others.
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Nnaemeka Durueke is a pastor who is married to a lovely woman. He loves to train disciples for Christ. Email him at emekadurueke@gmail.com.