Barriers to Acceptance - Martin Wiles

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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