I hear more and more statements being made about tolerance. Let me state up front that I'm all for it. I believe it can get out of control just like anything else, but that's a matter of personal responsibility instead of mandated righteousness. In the circles where I was raised, the term was mostly synonymous with someone believing they had a license to sin or do as they pleased. I believe that to be a gross misunderstanding of the heart of the issue as well as the definition of the word. Other circles throw the term out as they feel their agenda isn't getting the prominence they would like it to have. Again, this is a gross misuse of the term... Why? One side uses it from a place of fear as a way to manipulate people into following the set doctrinal code of moral standards. The other side as a way to manipulate people to shrink away from those beliefs. As I look at the definition of the term there seems to be no need for manipulation at all as the first word, "willingness", is something that a person gives. It's something that comes from a place of love and respect. Both of those attributes are something that start small in a relationship and grow as they are nurtured. If they are demanded the outcome is for them to be diminished.
Acceptance can be a little more slippery. As I ponder over all the people I know that have different feelings, habits, and beliefs from me I am faced with the fact that I've just described everyone I know. I have things in common with others but to say that there is any person that I agree completely with would be a bold face lie. So as I look to accepting others I can't say that I'll only accept others that are just like me because I would be alone. This means there must be a way to accept people even when they differ from me. As with all other aspects in life I can get completely off balance with this and take it to an extreme. I'm not talking about that. I am looking for the balance of accepting people with a mutual love and respect as a person. I don't have to embrace the feelings, habits, or beliefs they have in order to accept them. To accept them, however, I do have to recognize their value. There isn't a person alive that isn't valuable and worthy of love and acceptance. There seems to be a thought process that permeates the human race where we think to accept someone means we have to agree with them and embrace all they stand for. Based on this thought process we begin to judge others and condemn or elevate them. We begin to assert, however unconsciously, that we are more valuable and that our feelings, habits, or beliefs are of more value than others. As we elevate ourselves and devalue others we begin to justify our behaviors and become self righteous. As we continue this downward spiral, we begin to persecute, belittle, and wound others. We look at ISIS and think how horrible it is for them to kill people for holding to different feelings, habits, and beliefs, and it is! However, as we spew condemnation and malicious words at others we are motivated from the same heart as are they.
Hatred and judgment are never the answers. I must grow beyond my own feelings, habits, and beliefs not to the degree that I lose myself or my convictions, but to the point where I value others as I do my own.
Acceptance can be a little more slippery. As I ponder over all the people I know that have different feelings, habits, and beliefs from me I am faced with the fact that I've just described everyone I know. I have things in common with others but to say that there is any person that I agree completely with would be a bold face lie. So as I look to accepting others I can't say that I'll only accept others that are just like me because I would be alone. This means there must be a way to accept people even when they differ from me. As with all other aspects in life I can get completely off balance with this and take it to an extreme. I'm not talking about that. I am looking for the balance of accepting people with a mutual love and respect as a person. I don't have to embrace the feelings, habits, or beliefs they have in order to accept them. To accept them, however, I do have to recognize their value. There isn't a person alive that isn't valuable and worthy of love and acceptance. There seems to be a thought process that permeates the human race where we think to accept someone means we have to agree with them and embrace all they stand for. Based on this thought process we begin to judge others and condemn or elevate them. We begin to assert, however unconsciously, that we are more valuable and that our feelings, habits, or beliefs are of more value than others. As we elevate ourselves and devalue others we begin to justify our behaviors and become self righteous. As we continue this downward spiral, we begin to persecute, belittle, and wound others. We look at ISIS and think how horrible it is for them to kill people for holding to different feelings, habits, and beliefs, and it is! However, as we spew condemnation and malicious words at others we are motivated from the same heart as are they.
Hatred and judgment are never the answers. I must grow beyond my own feelings, habits, and beliefs not to the degree that I lose myself or my convictions, but to the point where I value others as I do my own.
