Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. Roman 14:1 NLT
We all crave
acceptance, but barriers to acceptance often keep us from receiving it—or
giving it.
Contrary to
popular opinion, accepting another person doesn’t mean we must accept their
beliefs or practices. I love family and friends, but I don’t always love their
actions or attitudes. Accepting someone whose beliefs or practices differ from
mine isn’t easy.
Growing up, I
was taught Sunday was a sacred day. The most Mom could do was cook Sunday
lunch. No washing clothes, working in the yard, or going to the store. The day
was reserved for attending church and resting. Seeing someone cutting their
grass or working in the yard on Sunday was unusual. But could I accept someone
who “violated” the Sabbath? Or what about the person who didn’t have the same philosophy
about child rearing, dancing, playing cards, types of music, manner of dress,
or mode of baptism? Then there’s the person who doesn’t even share my faith . .
. and doesn’t want to.
Paul refers specifically
to accepting other believers. The plethora of denominations witnesses that
believers don’t agree on a number of things. Divisions within denominations also
show disagreement among like-minded believers. Acceptance was even a problem in
the first-century church. Was it acceptable to eat meat that had been used in
pagan rituals?
We should love
all people because they are God’s creations, made in his image, loved by him,
and have the potential to be used by him. This doesn’t mean, however, that we
must also accept their beliefs or lifestyles. Acceptance doesn’t necessarily
equal approval.
When we let
pride in, we’ll reject others instead of accepting them—thinking we’re better because
we follow God or because our brand of spiritual living is better than theirs. Beliefs
we were taught in childhood by well-meaning parents can quickly take us to this
level. Maybe the person who went to the store on Sunday wasn’t a bad person
after all. Perhaps they had a better understanding of spiritual freedom than I
did. Misunderstanding God’s love can lead us to avoid others rather than accept
them. God loves all, but he doesn’t accept all their actions.
What barrier
do you need to tear down so you can accept others as God does?
Father, help me
see others as You do and love them as You do.
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