Accept One Another
Jesus’ ministry was predicated upon accepting people. He erased the artificial boundaries of culture and status, looked beyond people’s sin, and accepted them. He touched lepers, ate with sinners, visited the homes of tax collectors, and washed the feet of the betrayer.
The apostle Paul told the church at Rome to “accept one another just as Christ has accepted you” (Romans 15:7). Paul, too, had been touched deeply by God’s acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15–16).
Two fundamental aspects of human nature underscore the importance of accepting others.
- All humans are similar: Because we are all created in the image of God, every person has intrinsic value.
- All humans are unique: Because God created each of us, every person is “one of a kind.”
These truths also provide practical insights into how we are to accept others. When we truly accept others, our attitude will be:
- I willingly accept you because you are a human being.
- I acknowledge, affirm and delight in the fact that you are unique.
- I willingly receive you and love you even though you are different from me.
- I will not neglect ministering any and all of the One Anothers to you.
- Even as I get to know you on a deep level, I will not stop accepting you.
- I accept you for who you are: I won't try to change you.
