And the Rest of the Story…

Somewhere along the way Christians have been taught tolerance is a replacement for standing for what they believe. They’ve been told to turn the other cheek as an answer to abuse. They’ve been taught to forgive others instead of using tough love or holding them accountable when they sin. What would be wrong with both?

Christians have been misled.

I was watching a program late one night. I must admit I was not on the same page with the discussion until deep into the conversation. One of the people on the program was living a very sinful life. She had made a very bad choice and was not about to change her opinion.

At the end of the show, the point of what was said was that we should not judge. The scripture referenced was from John 8.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
John 8:3-9

The really disturbing part was that if you listened to this woman tell the story, she simply left it that we are not to throw stones – meaning that we are not to judge. She never came right out and said to the other person, “You have sinned against God.” She also never finished the story. Remember what happened next?

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
John 8:10-11

He did not say, “These folks aren’t judging you. So do what you want.” He said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”

It’s pretty nauseating. Once again, the Christians – and others – are told to be nice. Tolerate the sin. Why? Why would we want to tolerate the sin? I’m not recommending we stone that person, but why scold us without bothering to address the real issue?

If you are going to open your mouth, at least address the sin.

LIFE APPLICATION

Today’s challenge is to stop being tolerant of sin. Love the sinner, but don’t defend the right to sin. Ask God to give you the strength and the courage to see through the attacks against you in the name of tolerance. Your viewpoint when in line with God’s Word is more valid than the viewpoint that isn’t. Don’t be afraid to express your point of view in love.