Acceptance

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

My cell group had a discussion about accepting one another in the family, in the church and in the world. A member asked if acceptance may sometime means avoidance. Specifically, if another person does not want to accept us, will our avoidance of the other person equal our acceptance?

I told her that we are not responsible for the other party if he or she chooses not to accept us. However, like God, we must continue to show love and acceptance to him or her so that one day, he or she may respond positively.

God gave us the supreme example in that when we were most unacceptable to Him, He accepted us. Anything less than that unconditional acceptance by God, we would burn in hell through eternity.

Last Sunday, our church demonstrated this God-inspired acceptance. Our pastor presided over a child dedication service. But it was an extra-ordinary one. The baby boy, hardly two months' old, was brought on stage by his grandparents, his aunt and his mother. Let's just call the mother by the pseudonym Jane. Why was it extra-ordinary? Jane is a young and unwed mother, who looks hardly eighteen.

The pastor explained to the congregation that Jane used to be in the Youth Service but was unfortunately led astray. She committed a mistake but is repentant and wants to re-align herself to walk with the Lord. As such, the family wants to dedicate the baby to the Lord.

The congregation responded with great acceptance. Many went up to the family after the service to offer their encouragement. I did too. I thanked Jane's father for demonstrating his courage, love, acceptance and leadership that led to this reconciliatory move.

Let us remember that while our loving Father hates sin absolutely, He absolutely loves the sinner and wants them to be reconciled to Him. And that is why that while we were still in sin, God sent His Son to die for us.

Friends, let's open our hearts to accept one another, for the glory of the Lord.

God bless.

Steven