EPHESIANS 4:1-3
As believers, we are enjoined by love to tolerate people. We may not have to necessarily agree with them, but we must accommodate them. We don’t need to be members of the same tribe, clan, political party, congregation or ministry to tolerate one another. We should not intentionally look for opportunities to anger or upset people; we test people’s pulse and turn around to blame or accuse them of being intolerant.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”. ( Romans 12:18 NIV).
Disagreements and misunderstandings are part of our social lives. But this should not be an excuse to disrespect others. We are commanded to speak The Truth In Love to one another. (Ephesians 4:15). Love and respect should be our guiding principle; Our speech must be seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). We must be kind, but firm if necessary. Life is all about agreeing to disagree. It’s not possible to tolerate people if you have already taken a “mosaic” position. You need to make a conscious effort to empathise with people and see things from their perspective. This is tricky but it is a first step to tolerating people.
You must always keep in mind that, you have different backgrounds and a wide range of experiences to draw from one another; because what seem obvious to you might seem strange and alien to someone else. One of the most dangerous things you can ever do in life is to take someone’s opinion without giving the person any opportunity for explanation. To give you a better understanding, and to further enhance tolerance, try to get a better understanding of someone else’s views by asking him or her for explanation. If you find it hard to accept, you can figure out the person’s perspective without being intolerant, mean or confrontational. Sometimes, just ignore the differences.
Build a strong emotional repellent that will sieve anything that might lead you to become aggressive or intolerant. Value differences or avoid certain topics that will get you emotionally charged.
To be cont..
Stay blessed always and remember to love someone and mean it.
#sociallysignificant #Lukebarson #Libertybreakfast
Rev. Prophet Luke Luki Barson is the Senior Pastor at Liberty House Christian Centre at Tema Community 25.
He has studied at the University of Ghana, the Methodist University College and the Christian Service University College.
He is currently a PhD student at the University of South Africa.
Source: BestNewsGH.com
