Do you get frustrated with other people. Sometimes I do and I wish that wasn’t the case. It only happens when I am being intolerant. When I feel that my views are not being heard or accepted by them. If I had tolerance I would accept that everyone is entitled to their point of view. It’s also possible that I may not have expressed my views very clearly.
In the past I would get frustrated when I tried to do something and couldn’t achieve it. It might have been when trying to assemble something involving lots of small parts and screws that kept falling on the floor. After repeated attempts and the loss of some screws I was likely to react badly. That was childish behaviour and showed a loss of self-control. Fortunately I grew out of that but not until I was well past my childhood.
Self-control can be difficult. We probably know that our behaviour is not the best but will seek to justify it in our mind. That’s how we can see ourselves as right. It’s how we avoid internal conflict. We say to ourselves something like, “but I had good reason for it, she (or he) was nasty in what they said or did”. We don’t say, “I was wrong in getting angry” and then apologise for our behaviour. Even though I knew that was the best approach it took me many years to be able to exercise that level of self control.
Our own failure to give in and let go of anger can cause so much grief. It all stems from our focus on ourselves. If our main focus was on others we could avoid getting angry in the first place.
Dictatorships and democracies
In any dictatorship control is strongly exercised from the top position. If you are a dictator the only view that matters is yours. I don’t think too many of the world’s recognised dictators will read this but it would be great if they did.
Think about the current dictators or rising dictators in the world. Typically they are people who vilify others in order to elevate themselves. They demand respect and appear strong but are actually weak and inadequate. Their projection of strength and authority is, at least in my view, an automatic protective reaction. It avoids them facing up to their inadequacies. One thing is clear, their extreme self-focus and lack of care for others identifies them as being non-Christian.
In a true democracy everyone’s views matter and differences in opinion are accepted. This is the only sure way to arrive at consensus. It is a more Christian approach that treats us all equally and fairly.
The reason for me discussing dictatorships and democracies is to make you think about which way you lean. Are you really behaving in a Christian or a non-Christian manner.
The international day of tolerance
In 1996 the United Nations decided that November 16th each year would be the International Day of Tolerance. It noted that tolerance does not mean indulgence nor indifference. It recognises universal human rights and the freedom of others. Tolerance is the acceptance of others views even though they may not be the same as yours.
Intolerance stems from self-interest, ignorance and judgemental behaviour. It’s good that there is an international day of tolerance. It would be better, however, if each day of the year was a day of tolerance.
The international day of acceptance
January 20th is the International Day of Acceptance. Celebrated each year since 2010 its focus is to educate people on the importance of embracing diversity and accepting those with disabilities.
Acceptance is different to tolerance. It’s going along with things that you are unable to change. It means accepting others despite their differences and demonstrates that they are valued. It’s treating others with respect and kindness even if you do not agree with them. It is not being judgemental and does not just apply to how we treat others.
It also applies to how we treat or judge ourselves. Before we can accept ourselves we must recognise that being judgemental is damaging. It is an automatic reaction to look for information that justifies our thoughts, actions and emotions.
What it means to be Christian
Christians believe in the power and teaching of Jesus Christ. He was a simple man who was born in Bethlehem as an extension of God the Father. Jesus became a carpenter and a great teacher with an honest message that resonated with people in all parts of the world.
The messages given by Jesus were about things such as love, respect, faithfulness, patience, goodness, gentleness and self-control. It led people to feel trust, harmony and peace rather than anger, fear, intolerance and lack of acceptance.
True Christians do not feel better than others. They have humility and are not proud or boastful. They accept that everyone has faults and they are aware of their own failings. Also, they understand the significance of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. It is only natural that they wish to extend goodwill to others by spreading messages of acceptance and love.
Philippians 2: 1-8 states, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Ephesians 4: 30-32 states, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
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