Tolerance Vs. Mercy

Q. I have a comment then a question about it; first I believe that the Word of God is a Word that is intolerant (basically it’s His way or perish). That being said can you help us understand the difference between man’s tolerance and God’s mercy? I believe them to be on totally different ends of the spectrum. Can God be tolerant? I believe not, but yes He is Merciful.

A. To be tolerant is to understand that others may have different views and that’s their right. You’re correct in saying that God is not tolerant of views that deny or dispute His Word. Especially now, humans are encouraged to be tolerant of differing views, acknowledging the right of others to hold them.

To be merciful is to show compassion or pity.  It’s different from tolerance in that there’s no acceptance of an opposing view, only a withholding of the consequences.  God is merciful in that he’s patient and long suffering, waiting for the overwhelming evidence of his presence to persuade us.  Eventually His mercy will be exhausted and His intolerance of other views will have to be addressed.