Teaching Tolerance (Day 1 of 4)

BIBLICAL TOLERANCE

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 — I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.

Talking to God
Thank God for the people in your life who help you learn more about Him. Ask God to help you recognize when other people's opinions do not agree with His Word.

Diving In
Hide a toy or snack in a place where family members would not think to look for it. Set a timer for five minutes, and tell them they can ask you questions about the location of the item while they hunt for it. (Here's the catch: When they do ask, shrug and give them random answers such as "blue" or "astronaut.") When the timer goes off, set it for another five minutes. But this time, answer their questions correctly to help them quickly find the item.

Going Deeper
Notice how it was impossible to find the hidden item when random answers were given. The item was easy to find, though, when the questions were answered correctly. People who are searching for something want clear directions. Some people think it doesn't matter how you seek God or what you believe about Him. This "anything goes" attitude toward God is one form of what the world calls tolerance. The world's definition is not helpful to people who truly want a relationship with God. God's Word, on the other hand, gives very clear instructions. It does not treat all beliefs as equal; instead, it points to the one and only path, which is found in Jesus. Matthew 7:13-14 says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." What you choose to believe about God matters. It is the most important choice of your life.

Talking to Each Other
—How did unhelpful directions make you feel?
—Why are the right directions important when you're searching for something?
—What directions does God give us through His Word?