FEW words in the English language are fraught with as deep import as is the word "tolerance." Coming from the Latin tolero, signifying "I bear," this word both implies and expresses a meaning which it were well for every individual to understand and apply, practically and consistently. Turning to the Bible— that unerring counselor of humanity —we find pointed, emphatic direction to exemplify tolerance, in the command, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The world never was more in need of tolerance than it is to-day. On all sides there comes to us an insistent, pathetic plea to help bear our brother's burdens, as amplified in another Scriptural injunction; namely: "Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come . . . and save you." To this universal plea, we should, each one of us, be able to respond in an effectual manner. For every specific need involved we should be equipped to bring forth a remedy. Recognizing, as we claim to do, the greatness and grandeur of true brotherliness, we should be alert to express it, and thus to give tangible proof that loving aid toward our brother is second only to loving devotion toward our God. In brief, we should be sincerely and prayerfully tolerant.
Throughout history, the most beautiful characters have been distinguished for their tolerance. In not a single instance has a thoroughly great man or woman been lacking in this quality. And this is not strange, because to be beautifully great, one must be genuinely good; and goodness without tolerance would be sheer mockery, no goodness at all. In fact, those persons who have accomplished the highest good have always been the most tolerant,—have labored unceasingly for the welfare of others, even, it would appear, with little or no thought of themselves. Such as they have, indeed, borne the burdens of their fellows, and so fulfilled the law of divine Love.
