Comment: Tolerance or peaceful coexistence is a mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ himself was tolerant and lived peacefully with his siblings even though they did not believe in him at that time (John 7:3-5).  In course of time, one of the siblings of Jesus Christ became a believer and apostle (Galatians 1:19).  This simply shows that an enemy today can be a friend tomorrow.

Another instance worthy of mention was the occasion where James and John besought Jesus Christ to permit them to command fire to come down from heaven and consume the Samaritans for not allowing Jesus Christ to pass through their city to Jerusalem.  Jesus Christ did not only rebuke the two disciples for their evident hostility to non-believers but also told them that he did not come into this world for people’s destruction but for their salvation. (Luke 9:51-56)  As is well known, many people in Samaria later converted to the Christian faith. – Acts 1:8;  8:5-12.

Also, the Parable of the Wheat and Tares is very apt as it teaches the moral lesson of tolerance and peaceful coexistence which true worshippers of God (Wheat) are expected to cultivate and imbibe. It also states the unfortunate end of wicked persons (the tares) who refuse to change from their evil ways. – Matthew 13:24-30,36-43