On life (152) – “Tolerance: the Path toward Perfection” – 16/12/2016

During our lifetime, we encounter several situations. We are pleased by some and saddened by others. Those which make us happy strengthen us throughout. Yet, what does help us overcome and forget hardships is the “power of tolerance”.
Tolerance is a special capacity and power which nobody knows except those who practice. Those who believe that tolerance is synonymous to weakness are but mistaken: for it requires more strength than that used in revenge! Some sages say that only great souls forgive. When you forgive wrongdoers, you are better than them. When you seek vengeance, you have actually given up to weakness!
Tolerance is the antidote of violence. Should humans continue meeting cruelty with cruelty, they will drown in the abyss of havoc and violence which forfeits their humanity. Whoever decides not to forgive will live in eternal suffering, for internal turmoil destroys him physically and psychologically. Should thoughts of revenge control your mind, you will suffer from headache, anxiety, neurosis and sadness.
On the other hand, a tolerant person is kind-hearted. His ability to forgive wrongdoers requires that he love them. The power of love is miraculous indeed. Tolerance leads to peace. A tolerant person enjoys peace of mind: for his heart is cleansed from hatred and relish of vengeance, replacing them with love, forgiveness, and kindness which do fill him with peace. How beautiful are these words: “Should you seek peace, make tolerance your path. Should you seek happiness, peace of mind, and unsurpassed beauty, make tolerance your path.” Tolerance alleviates turmoil from the human mind, leading man to heavenly joy, peace, and quietude.
Christ teaches us that tolerance is the path toward perfection, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center