grace vs. tolerance

I've been thinking alot lately about the difference between grace and tolerance.

To tolerate someone, to me at least, sound like you are "putting up with them," as though you merely deal with someone (or the trait the bugs you) as a nuisance.

Tolerant adv 1: inclined to tolerate ; especially : marked by forbearance or endurance <tolerant parents> tolerant of religious differences>2: exhibiting tolerance (as for a drug or an environmental factor)

Grace, on the other hand, is not merely "putting up with someone" but loving someone in spite of them self, just as God loves us.

Grace noun 1 a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace 2 a: approval , favor graces> barchaic : mercy , pardon c: a special favor : privilege grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling> d: disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e: a temporary exemption : reprieve


Unmerited, that's how grace is given, for no other reason to BE GIVEN.

Certain humanist groups feels they should be tolerated by those who disagree with them...they demand merit.

We, who have no merit, are given grace by the One who loves us. Tolerance is a cheap imitation of grace and will never take the place of grace.