Get the appTeaching ToleranceSample
BIBLICAL TOLERANCE
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?
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?
Scripture
About this Plan
Our world is becoming increasingly complex, and it’s difficult to discern opinion from truth. This four-day plan is designed to remind you and your children that what we believe—especially about God—is important. You’ll also engage with Scripture to help you develop both compassion and courage in conversations with people who have different beliefs. Each day includes a prayer prompt, brief Scripture reading and explanation, hands-on activity, and discussion questions.
More
From Focus on the Family's www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion. © [2011] [Lee Smedly]. Used by permission. For more information, please visit: www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion.
