Tolerance in Christians

I see such a great need for more tolerance among Christians. It is painful to see so much finger pointing and back stabbing among those who hold common a love of and a belief in Christ our Savior.

I see Christians calling others (even of the same denomination) apostates. I hear Catholicism called the Harlot Church and the Great Whore of Revelation. I am by told by a Baptist newsletter that Jazz, the saxophone, drums, the piano, New Orleans, and smoking are sinful. I read that versions/translations other than the King James version are wrong and even evil. By what authority is the KJV better than any other? Where is the gentle love of Christ? I'm reminded of a childhood expression. "Each time you point a finger at someone, there are three others pointing back at you."

Luke 6:41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Tim 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

We are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

It hurts to see the condemnation among Christian denominations and even among Christians of the same denomination.

Rom 1:22-23 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves. He places the importance of this on equal footing for our need to love God,

Matt 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Explaining "neighbor", Jesus uses the parable of the good Samaritan because he knew how the Jews hated the Samaritans. Isn't that a lesson to us?

Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

I can be with any Christian. If we disagree in doctrine, I offer the scripture that supports my position. The worst case is we agree to disagree. It is still the same Christ. We are still brothers and sisters.

1 Tim 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

I can love you in Christ and disagree with your doctrine. Spiritual growth is a journey. A gentle journey of love.

2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

ειρήνη, Tom