Acceptance

We are not worthy to gather up the crumbs under his table, however we curse him, ignore him, turn our backs on him and reject him over and over again. Yet God accepts us for who we are.  In fact, not only does he accept us but he specifically chose us for His divine purpose!

“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you” (Isaiah 43:4)

Why is it then that we struggle to accept others; when the God of the entire universe is able to call us “precious”, “honourable” and even offers us His unconditional love? Us, the ones who hate people based on colour, language, social status and any difference that makes people uncomfortable.

In today’s society we are finding it more and more difficult to accept others because we have become so conditioned to thinking the way the world wants us to think.  We constantly judge others according to worldly standards: the clothes people wear, how much money they have, what they look like, the material possessions they have, where they live, their disabilities, language, race …

Often we are afraid to be seen with certain people or to show them acceptance because we are afraid of what others might think of us or that we ourselves may be rejected!

Jesus came to earth to live among us, so that He could show us the way that we should be living as people of God.  He wasn’t afraid to reach out to lepers, tax collectors, the demon possessed –people who in those times were seen as being a disgrace to society, the lowest of the low.  Jesus embraced them all with open arms.

In Luke 16:15 Jesus says “you are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your heart.  What is highly valued among men is detestable in Gods sight.”

So if we, as children of God, want to follow his example by showing love and acceptance towards all people, we need to start changing the way we think.  “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”(Romans 12:2).  We need to start seeing other people the way that Jesus sees them and to “stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment” (John 7:24). No matter what the social norm is around you toward a person, type of people or even race; we need to, as Christians, stand up for the rejected and downcast. 

“Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14)

If you do this you will truly be living for God and you don’t need to worry about what others think because God is on your side and He will never leave nor forsake you!

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

So go out and love as Christ loved; even if you might not understand a person or their ways, or even if they irritate and aggravate you. Rise above the differences and love, you are able with the help of the Holy Spirit. All people are loved by God, and He wants all to be saved; don't turn them away because they don't fit your 'mold'. 


*with help and insight from Kirsty Tapson