Tolerance

Tolerate (verb): 
1. to allow the existence, presence, practice, or act of without prohibition or hindrance; permit.
2. to experience, undergo, or sustain, as pain or hardship.


This past Wednesday I went to a Service of Thanksgiving hosted by the Winnetka Interfaith Council.  Each year the service is held at a different place of worship, and this year it was held at my church.


The Thanksgiving Message was given by Rev. Dr. Susan B. Thistlethwaite.  Much of what she had to say was positive and thought-provoking, and I enjoyed listening to her.  She finished her Message saying, "I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and I know you join me in wishing tolerance for our country and our world."  It was a nice sentiment, but the word "tolerance" irritated me.  If the definition of "tolerate" includes the words "pain" and "hardship", why are we using the word to describe our feelings toward other human beings?  Shouldn't we be able to get past "tolerating" other people and "permitting" their existence?  Can't we just enjoy our differences and try to learn from them?