Accept Others as Christ Accepted Me

In review of Romans 15:7 it says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (NIV).

Today’s verse is Romans 15:7. In it I’m reminded to accept one another, for the glory of God, just as Christ has accepted me.

The Roman church was a diverse community, made up of Jews, Gentiles, salves, free people, rich and poor, strong and weak. It was difficult for them to accept one another. Accepting means taking people into my home as well as into my heart, sharing meals and activities, and avoiding racial and economic discrimination. I need to go out of my way to avoid favoritism. I need to consciously spend time greeting those I don't normally talk to, minimize differences, and seek common ground for fellowship. In this way I be accepting others as Christ has accepted me, and God is given the glory.

God accepts me, despite my messy life, impure motives, and irritating attitudes. One of the ways I reflect God’s love and bring him glory is to accept one another just as he accepts me. This means I accept others’ quirks and look past their faults in order to see individuals created in the image of God.

To become more like Jesus, I’ll need the support of a small group. God designed us to mature spiritually with the help of others. For instance, I can’t learn to love others on my own. I need to learn how to accept one another unconditionally, just as Christ accepted me unconditionally.

The Bible says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God” (Romans 15:7 NIV).

This acceptance makes any small group a safe environment, where people are not afraid to express their fears and doubts or talk about their struggles and where lasting change is facilitated.

Bottom Line:

For the glory of God, accept others just as Christ accepted you.

What this means to me:

I am to accept others just as Christ accepted me in order to bring praise to God.

In summary, for the glory of God, I'm to accept one another just as Christ has accepted me. Accepting means taking people into my home and my heart, sharing with them and avoiding any racial or economic discrimination. I need to go out of my way to avoid favoritism. God accepts me, despite my messy life, impure motives and irritating attitudes. One of the ways I reflect God's love and bring him glory is to accept one another just as he accepted me.

Today is great reminder for me to move beyond tolerating and really accept others without prejudice or discrimination. I need accept others, just like Jesus accepted me, just as I am. This morning Father I pray for your help in accepting others. I also pray for your wisdom and guidance as I manage and prioritize my work, lead my team and interact with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen!