Aug 21: Tolerance

Tolerance

As Bill Sees It 203: True Tolerance Gradually we began to accept the other fellow’s sins as well as his virtues. We coined the potent and meaningful expression: “Let us always love the best in others – and never fear their worst.”

Finally, we began to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong. When this happens, we approach true tolerance and we see what real love for our fellows actually means. Grapevine, January 1962; Twelve and Twelve, p.94

Thanks everyone for the opportunity to chair this week’s meeting! Congrats to all others also celebrating anniversaries in August and welcome to new members.

I picked this topic because I once heard someone say she regretted her own attitude of indifference towards people. I didn’t understand it at the time. Now, a day at a time, I see my own coldness and lack of acceptance of others.

I love the phrase in the reading “Let us always love the best in others – and never fear their worst.” I try to say this to myself many times. It is my own mind playing tricks. I seize upon their faults whilst burying my own. Without the steps and faith, I will always be at war – annoyance, irritation, suspicion, jealousy, envy, fear, criticism, anger … it doesn’t take a lot, about the size of a grain of sand, to make my own pearl of resentment.

If I want to be at peace with the world around me – and ultimately myself – I need to pray for tolerance and acceptance of others. No matter how much that hurts my pride.

How do you practice tolerance of others?