One of my favorite movies, Steel Magnolias, is filled with great lines. One is posted on my Facebook site - "You are evil and must be destroyed". During an interesting weekend on Facebook, the friend of a friend posted that he agreed with the quote on my profile - that I was evil and should be destroyed. I hope most people that know me will find this surprising and/or amusing. I think I would typically be described as kind and caring.
I am typically a people-pleasing, non-confrontational person. But sometimes, I try to fulfill the mission of being salt and light - which can get one in trouble. I was challenged by a friend's post that was an anonymous quote stating - "What one generation may not like, but tolerates, the next generation will embrace." Well, that is just SCARY!
Additionally, it seems to me that tolerance is a one way street. I am supposed to tolerate, accept and love. (I'll agree to the love part, because Christ commanded that I do so.) But let some of those that are preaching tolerance to me realize that I don't agree with their viewpoint or lifestyle, the gloves come off and I am evil, hateful and hurtful. It seems if I should tolerate you - you should tolerate me too.
Non-tolerance does not mean being hateful, discriminatory, bullying. But while we being salt and light - we are to love. The greatest commandment is this - that we love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. The second greatest commandment is that we love others as much as ourself.
What are your thoughts on tolerance?
