In some cultures the highest virtue is tolerance, defined as supporting all faiths, all moralities and all lifestyles. It is one thing to be kind and respectful to all. It is another to embrace deviant behaviors and false religions (Romans 1:32). Of course, many who claim to be tolerant cannot tolerate the Christ who makes exclusive claims (John 10:7-9; 14:6). Jesus Himself has the right kind of intolerance motivated by love (Revelation 2:2, 20; 3:16, 19; 1 Corinthians 5:6).
What are Christian leaders to do with a member who stubbornly disobeys Christ’s most basic teachings? After private efforts fail, such a rebel receives rebuke and then discipline (Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-12; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; 1 Timothy 5:20). The same applies to persistent destroyers of unity. “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him” (Titus 3:10 cf. Titus 1:11; Romans 16:17-18). As Proverbs 22:10 says, “Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.”