Accepted in Christ – Susan Barnes
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Romans 15:7 NLT
Acceptance means 'to regard with favour,' 'favourable reception' or 'welcome.' It’s the opposite of rejection.
It’s not wrong to want acceptance. It’s a God-given need in our lives. We see it in children who long for the approval of their caregivers. This is why children want their parents to attend their sporting events, their musical recitals or their dance performance. Even those who had loving families, and received lots of unconditional love, still find it’s never enough. The most popular kids at school, famous film stars, sporting heroes are all still looking for acceptance and we never outgrow our need for it. Peer pressure is persuasive because some want approval so much, they will sacrifice their standards to get it.
Our sense of acceptance quickly disappears when we experience any kind of rejection or criticism. Rejection is painful which is why it’s important to understand only God can give us the acceptance we crave. We don’t have to perform, keep up appearances or walk around on eggshells to gain his acceptance. Furthermore, we can’t lose it, because God will never reject or criticise us. God may correct us, but he doesn’t condemn us.
We’re also to accept others as Christ has accepted us. We don’t have to feel pressured or intimidated by others. We don’t have to compare or compete. We don’t have to be a puppet or a pushover. Rather we can be secure in the knowledge that we’re loved and accepted by God and we can reach out to others, without being manipulative or trying to gain their approval.
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