What should Christians do when societal tolerance and personal convictions conflict?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Our modern western world prides itself on being tolerant. It has painted a beautiful picture of love and acceptance rooted in the idea that all beliefs and actions can coexist peacefully. The popular mantra is, "You do what's good for you, and I'll do what's good for me." Yet behind this façade is the ugly reality that to embrace all the world’s ways is to forfeit the one and only way, which is Jesus Christ. He is clear: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Christians are called to stand firm on biblical truth, even when it conflicts with society’s values of tolerance and relativism. While Jesus accepted all people with love, He never condoned sin. Instead, He called for repentance and transformation. The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to God, and believers must hold fast to this truth, despite opposition or persecution. We are to speak the truth in love, seek God’s wisdom on complex issues, and extend grace where Scripture allows room for differing convictions. Ultimately, our goal is not to conform to the world and be tolerant of all beliefs but rather to reflect Christ and lead others to Him through truth, love, and integrity.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• There is only one God and one truth, as declared in the Old Testament: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4).
• Psalm 119:160 also tells us, "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• John 4 records Jesus’ interaction with a Samaritan woman. Though Jesus didn't condone her adulteress behavior, He lovingly invited her to partake in the “living water” of salvation that only He could provide (John 4:10, 17-18, 13-14).
• Jesus was clear when He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). There are no other “ways” to God; Christ is the only way.
• The New Testament affirms one God and one truth: "There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Affirming truth means denying lies, and the world often hates believers because of this. The Bible warns us that we will be persecuted for following Christ– who claims to be the only way to life (Luke 21:12-19).
• We are called to let the truth guide our convictions and to stand on those convictions. Jesus reminds us, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house" (Matthew 5:13-15).
• If we succumb to society's standards, we become hypocrites. Not only are we approving of others' sin, but we are becoming a stumbling block for those seeking to know God. Instead, "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) we must become mature in our faith to bring people to know Christ as their Savior.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Society tells us that we should accept all people regardless of race, gender, age, religion, etc. Jesus would agree. He treated everyone with respect from fishermen, to tax collectors, to Roman soldiers, to prostitutes. However, accepting people is not the same as condoning behavior.Jesus did not celebrate nor ignore people's sin. Instead He called out their sins and spoke truth into their lives.

Today, people say that truth is relative and that it’s intolerant not to approve of what mainstream society supports. A Christian baker found this out when he was sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a homosexual wedding. More and more Christians are at risk of losing their jobs, their friends, even their family when they do not bend to the will of society.

As believers we must stand firm on the truth presented in the Bible and not let it be watered down to appease the general population. We must be witnesses to God's power to transform us from our sinful ways, by doing what is right rather than what is popular. Most importantly, we should pray for discernment in how to navigate the world. If you have a conviction but cannot find a clear answer in the Bible, take it before God. Praying to God and listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit are key when dealing with issues that are not black and white. In all things, we are called to act in love, pursue unity, and bring glory to God (Romans 14:5-6, 19). Our aim should not be to win arguments, but to reflect Christ in how we live, speak, and treat one another.

UNDERSTAND

• Society promotes tolerance of all beliefs, but Christians must stand on biblical convictions.
• True love speaks truth—Jesus accepted people but called them to repentance.
• When convictions clash with culture, believers must respond with grace but not compromise.

REFLECT

• When have you felt pressure to stay silent or compromise your convictions in order to seem tolerant?
• How do you balance speaking the truth in love without condoning sin or appearing judgmental?
• In what areas of your life do you need greater courage to stand firm on biblical truth?

ENGAGE

• What’s the difference between loving someone and endorsing their beliefs or actions?
• How can Christians disagree with the world’s values and stand firm on biblical convictions without becoming divisive or harsh?
• How can we form strong biblical convictions while showing grace to others who have different beliefs than we do, and how is that grace different from tolerance?