THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/TOLERANCE

Why must tolerance have limits?

THE REALITY MOST societies try to maintain law and order. As  a result, they usually put reasonable limits on behavior.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS "[Love] does not behave indecently." (1 Corinthians 13:5) Although Jesus was a model of tolerance, he did not condone indecency, hypocrisy, and other forms of badness. Instead, he boldly  condemned such things.  (Matthew 23:13) "Whoever practices vile things hates the light [of truth]," he said. -John 3:20. 

The Christian apostle Paul wrote:  "Abhor what is wicked; cling to what is good." (Romans 12:9) He lived by those words. For example, when certain Jewish Christians segregated themselves from non-Jewish  believers, Paul-who was himself a Jew-firmly but kindly spoke up.  (Galatians 2:11-14) He knew that God, who "is not partial," would not tolerate racial prejudice among his people. -Acts 10:34. 

As Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses look to the Bible for moral guidance.  (Isaiah 33:22) Hence, they do not tolerate wickedness in their ranks.  The clean Christian congregation must not be corrupted by people who brush aside God's standards. To that end, the Witnesses obey the clear Biblical directive.  "Remove the wicked person from among yourselves." -1 Corinthians 5:11-13. 

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/TOLERANCE -Will God forever tolerate badness?

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2015