BCIC Tolerance Sample

Tolerance Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” PHILIPPIANS 2:2

ANANIAS SEES SAUL THROUGH GOD’S EYES “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”

ACTS 9:17

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Giver

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Tolerance in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

View People as He Does

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Ananias Sees Saul through God’s Eyes

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: I Corinthians 12:23

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Learning to See Potential

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Respond with Grace

11 Bible Story: The Disciples Send the Children Away 12 Memory Verse: Philippians 2:2 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3: Help Others Grow in Character

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

15 Bible Story: A Letter of Exhortation to Philemon

Illustrated in Life

16 Memory Verse: II Timothy 2:24

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

17 Activity: Bugged or Watered?

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

18 Lesson 4: Not Confuse What Is Right with What Is Popular 19 Bible Story: Idolatry Overcomes a House and a Tribe 20 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 2:4 21 Activity: Do I Join the Crowd?

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Tolerance GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Just As I Am” 25 Hymn History: “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliott 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Tolerance?

Read aloud and discuss what tolerance means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of tolerance is “acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity.” Tolerance is extending grace to those who lack wisdom or maturity, realizing everyone is at different stages of personal growth. Sometimes you may be irritated by someone’s childishness, mistakes, or lack of experience. How can a person overcome his irritation? A believer can ask God to show him how God sees people. (See Romans 5:8.)

When believers value people, they are able to understand, forbear, or be patient with others. God can help a believer to recognize that he also has faults, mannerisms, or characteristics that require grace from others. Understanding his own faults can give him insight to accept others where they are in their lives. God gives grace to the humble! As one walks in the Spirit, he will manifest the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love and longsuffering.

(See Galatians 5:22–25.)

The opposite of tolerance is prejudice. A prejudiced person has a false sense of superiority and judges others from that position.

He categorizes people and dislikes certain ones for superficial reasons. He disdains those who are different from himself. Even before he knows a person well, he makes assumptions and forms opinions.

Viewing others with a critical eye, he mocks or excludes An oyster responds to an invasive grain of sand with nacre to form a precious pearl. Likewise, we can respond with humilty and tolerance, allowing God to form His priceless character in us.

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those whom he dislikes. Prejudging people is just one aspect of intolerance. An intolerant person lacks the humility and maturity to appreciate and respect others.

He considers character flaws to be unchanging traits that define the offender, and he assumes there is no hope for improvement. Thus, the intolerant person has no reason to give others opportunity or time to change.

He simply ignores or avoids those who make him uncomfort­able. His uncaring actions are hurtful, and his preconceived ideas cut off relationships that might have benefited himself and others.

In recent years, tolerance has been redefined to mean People with prejudiced opinions have “showing acceptance no patience for those who do not of all ideas and beliefs, “measure up” to their expectations. whether they are right Their intolerance can reject or hurt others, overlooking their potential. or wrong.” This viewpoint implies that all ideas and beliefs are equal. However, every idea or belief must be measured by the truth of God’s Word, the Bible. A religious, political, or cultural belief may be a contradiction or a misinterpretation of God’s Word. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). Even though you cannot agree with all ideas, display tolerance by treating all people with respect. Be courteous even when you disagree.

Tolerance in Scripture

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TOLERANCE KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded,

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

having the same love, being of one accord,

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

of one mind.” PHILIPPIANS 2:2

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Tolerance in My Life

We see examples of tolerance in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out tolerance daily.

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God knows how needy we are and is kindhearted toward us.

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(See Matthew 18:32–33.)

(See Psalm 103:8, 14.)

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God offers salvation without partiality and welcomes believers into His family.

(See Romans 3:22, Ephesians 1:5–6.)

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God often delays judgment as He patiently waits for men to repent.

Do I focus on the shortcomings of others and try to change them, or do I examine myself before God?

(See Jonah 3:9–10, II Peter 3:7–9.)

(See Romans 14:10–12, Luke 6:42.)

Jesus disregarded others’ prejudice when He spoke to the Samaritan woman, even though others would condemn Him for doing so.

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Jesus was willing to associate with sinners so that He could minister to them.

Jesus did not condemn the adulterous woman or ignore her sin but told her to do what was right.

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The Holy Spirit works in believers and, over time, patiently changes them to be like Jesus.

(See II Corinthians 3:18.)

Should my treatment of others be based on their outward appearance?

(See James 2:1–4.)

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What attitudes does God tell me to have toward my fellow Christians?

(See Romans 12:16, I Peter 4:8.)

(See John 8:3–11.)

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Rather than despise a weaker brother, how does God instruct me to respond?

(See Romans 14:1–7.)

(See Luke 15:1–2, 10.)

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Is it Biblical to hate the sin and love the sinner?

(See Jude 1:22–24, Romans 12:9–10.)

(See John 4:9–10.)

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Why should I be tolerant of others?

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Should I let what is popular influence my thoughts and behavior?

(See Exodus 23:2.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

View People as He Does INTRODUCTION

H

ave you ever looked through a microscope?

This instrument enables you to see things that are invisible to the unaided eye. Under a microscope lens, a whole new world is visible! Similarly, God has a perspective that we don’t have. He sees much more about a person than we can. You may see only people’s facial expressions, attire, mannerisms, or personalities. You may not like or understand someone’s behavior or choices, yet God sees a person created in His image and of great worth. He sees beyond who we are now to who we can become in Christ. Because God is patient, merci­ful, and forgiving, He tells believers to treat others in the same way. “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

Ananias Sees Saul through God’s Eyes

TOLERANCE Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 View People as He Does

Ananias Sees Saul through God’s Eyes

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aul studied for many years, learning philosophy from the Greeks and law from Jewish Pharisees.

on the determined persecutor! He fell to the ground, stunned. Saul trembled as he heard Jesus speak to

His goal was to serve God and punish those who

him, and he asked, “Lord, what will you have me to

appeared to be disobeying the Law of God. As the

do?” When Saul opened his eyes, he saw nothing! Blind

Christian martyr Stephen was stoned to death for his

and humbled, he had to be led into the city, where he

faith in Christ, Saul watched approvingly. Zealous to

lodged for three days, neither eating nor drinking.

extinguish the early Church, Saul invaded Christian

How would God direct a Christian named Ananias to

homes and threw believers into prison. When Saul

minister to Saul? What fears would Ananias have?

heard that the Gospel had spread to the city of Damascus, he sought approval from the high priest

Would he be willing to see Saul as God did, or would he view the persecutor only in light of the man’s

to arrest Christians there. After securing the desired

terrible treatment of Christians?

papers, Saul embarked on the 130-mile journey. As he neared Damascus, a bright light from Heaven shone

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 9:10–22 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What did God direct Ananias to do?

(See Acts 9:10–12.)

5. What was the result of Ananias’s visit to Saul?

(See Acts 9:18.)

How would God want you to welcome someone who is unpleasant to be around?

2. What did Ananias know about Saul? Why did Ananias appeal to God? (See Acts 9:13–14.)

Why might you dislike someone you haven’t even met? Have you asked God to help you get to know him?

3. How did God view Saul? Did He focus on Saul’s past as a persecutor or on who he could become in Christ? (See Acts 9:15–16.)

What makes every person valuable in God’s eyes?

(See Genesis 1:26–28.) How does God view Christians? (See Colossians 1:21–22.)

4. What did Ananias do that showed he trusted God, Who sees perfectly? (See Acts 9:17.)

How will your words and actions change when God gives you the wisdom to see as He does?

(See James 3:17–18.)

How might a younger sibling, a church member, or an unsaved person benefit when you reach out to him?

6. Who accepted Saul into their company after his salvation? (See Acts 9:19.)

Why is it important to avoid cliques and welcome others into your circles of friendship?

(See John 13:34–35, James 2:8–9.)

7. How do we know that Saul’s conversion was genuine? What was the Jews’ response to Saul?

(See Acts 9:20, 23.)

How has God changed your life since you were saved? How have you seen Him change others?

(See II Corinthians 5:17.)

8. What impact did Ananias’s ministry to Saul have on the Church? (Acts 9:21–22, 31.)

What might happen if you humbly ask God to show you the value of those whom you might otherwise overlook?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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M

Philippians 2:20–21

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P

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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O

M

Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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S

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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