Recently, someone told me much of the division and animosity in this country is due to Christians. We are, she said, intolerant and judgmental.
She said to be considered “tolerant” I must not be judgmental. I must be more accepting. When I asked what she meant by “be more accepting” she said I must be accepting of everyone, their beliefs, and their behavior.
Her view is common among secularists and even among some well-meaning Christians. Their idea is society would be a better place if only we could all get along; if we just accepted everyone, their beliefs, and their behaviors.
When Christians don’t agree with secular views we are, according to her, causing the division and animosity that exists today because we are intolerant and judgmental.
I agree with my friend’s position that society would be better if we were more accepting of one another.
However, I disagree with her position that to be accepting, to be considered “tolerant,” I must also approve of everyone’s beliefs, and behaviors.
I believe Scripture tells us Christians are called to accept people without approving of everything they say and do!
Biblical View of Acceptance
Writing to the believers in Rome, Paul directed them to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7).
You see, Christ accepted us when we were weak and ungodly (Romans 5:6), sinners (Romans 5:8), and even enemies (Romans 5:10). Being accepting of others brings unity in the body of believers, and that brings glory to God.
Biblical View of Approval
However, being accepting of someone doesn’t mean Jesus approved of their behavior.
Jesus shared a meal with Judas despite knowing Judas was about to betray him (Matthew 26:24-25).
Jesus rebuked Peter when Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10-11).
Jesus was especially protective of children. He warned those who might harm children it would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their necks and drowned in the sea (Luke 17:2).
We know that Jesus did not approve of the actions of the merchants and money changers in the temple courtyard. Jesus overturned their tables, and as he drove them out, he referred to them as a “den of robbers” (Matthew 21:12-13)!
Self-righteous hypocrites also got on Jesus’ nerves. He described the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees as “blind guides, hypocrites, fools, whitewashed tombs, and a brood of vipers” (Matthew 23).
So, Jesus accepted everyone, and believers are called to be accepting as well. However, it is clear there are many instances in Scripture where Jesus demonstrated his disapproval for what people said and did. Especially those things that did not bring honor and glory to God.
We can and should accept everyone, even though we do not approve of everything someone says or does.
Division and Animosity
Now, back to the opening question. Is all this division and animosity in our society necessary? The short answer is, “no.”
From a Biblical point of view, Christians should be accepting of everyone. God loves us and one of the ways we show love for others is in the way we accept them. However, it is important to remember the difference between acceptance and approval. We accept others without approving of everything they say and do.
Nonetheless, animosity and division do exist, and it seems to be more pervasive than ever. Christians, we are not to adopt and conform to a secular worldview. We must be a light to the world so that others see our good works and are drawn to the Father (Matthew 5:16). If there are divisions and animosity in our society, it should not be coming from us!
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Is there someone in your life that you need to accept even if you don’t approve of something that person says or does?
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Category: Relationships | Interpersonal Relationships
