Last night, I was attempting to write some encouraging cards to several of our friends, and I found that for all the words I seem capable of pouring out in various channels, I had an absolutely blank mind. Why? Why the stump?
A later discussion with dphiten highlighted what I didn't realize was right in front of me.
There is a difference between tolerance and acceptance. We are taught in school, through PSA's, and through society, that tolerance is the key to peace. This word, tolerance, is sometimes substituted with acceptance. But the meaning remains– tolerance.
Peace and love was one of the motto's of the 60's, and peace and love are part of the Fruit of the Spirit. If so, why did the 60's turn out to be such a confusing (and possibly destructive) period? Tolerance was letting everyone do whatever they felt was the right thing, and then doing whatever you feel like. Which does sound pretty good, but it doesn't bring true peace, or love. I would say love is more closely tied with acceptance.
True peace and love descends when acceptance is practiced– instead of watching others do whatever they like, and doing whatever you like, acceptance is making sure whatever you do is for someone else.
We often follow through with the world view that we're taught– to tolerate. And man was it a slap to the face when dphiten pointed out that I was a very tolerant person. Tolerant but not accepting. It is for that reason that true loving becomes so difficult for me.
And so, I was and am convicted and challenged. To do what I knew I should've done:
For "if I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." ~I Corinthians 13: 1-2
Thank you for your prayers.
And thank and praise God who never ceases to watch over His children.
