Keys to Family Power (2)

Key # 2 - Accepting each other

God gave the biggest example of all in that when we were most unacceptable, He accepted us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Anything less of that unconditional acceptance by God, you and I would burn in hell forever. But glory to God, He didn't wait until we got right but while we were yet sinners, He extended His love to us.

In the world today, many people struggle with the lack of acceptance and rejection; rejection at the work place, rejection by friends, rejection by family members, and even self-rejection. These have profound impact on our loved ones if rejections are also present in our homes. The world is already filled with endless criticisms and judgments. It is therefore so very important that Christians accept each other as God had accepted us - unconditionally. This is the fuel for our fire as we face the critical world today. But if there is no unconditional acceptance even at home, where is the motivation to live?

We all need to learn that each of us is different and may have our own opinions and views. And therefore, we need to be able to accept the differences. The biggest step to gain acceptance is to accept. We need to accept others without trying to make them change. We need to learn how to avoid the "because of ...." kind of love or "if you do this..." kind of love. How often we hear parents tell their children "I love you if you do well in your exams". How do you think the child feels if he did not make the grade ?

Jesus accepted and loved all His disciples, even Judas Iscariot. He accepted them all, unconditionally and as they were. We must be conscious that we need to accept and love our family members unconditionally. It is called the "in spite of ..." love.

Be clear that I am not talking about accepting sinful behaviors. When God accepted us while we were yet sinners, He also expects us to change by aligning our heart to Him. He gives the strength and motivation for us to change. In the same way, we must give motivation and strength for our family members to change.

Only then will we be able to build strong self-esteem in our family, and then build powerful and loving family for God. Let us start practicing it today!

Suggestions for practice.

1. Write down the areas of your family members’ lives that you do not like but yet you have accepted.

2. Write down the areas of your family member’s lives that you have yet to accept or are still constantly rejecting.

3. Looking at the two lists, thank God for His strength to allow you to accept the first list and then commit to God the areas that you need to learn to accept on the second list.

4. Talk to your spouse and children about each others' list and pray over the areas and commit each other to the Lord.

Next Key .. Speak Well of Each Other - coming on 29th Sep.