| | “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
~ Romans 15:7 NIV
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| We have to get this right within the body of Christ.
We must learn how to accept people for where they are and who they are. Using the eye of the Holy Spirit to see beyond the present.
This does not mean we conform to the world for the sake of accepting the lost. It simply means we accept them as Christ did, but do not condone their sin.
Just as we were accepted in our sin, we are required to extend that same grace to others so they may find The Light.
What I have found to be problematic with the church is that we don’t accept people where they are. We want them to clean themselves up and be without sin before we call them a “saint”.
On the other hand, those in the church are expected to operate in perfection. The second someone falls to sin they are easily exiled and cast down from their position.
I’m not saying we need to tolerate any sin for the sake of Christ (we are called to judge our brothers for the sake of the integrity of ministry). But we as Christians need to do a better job with accepting people for the faulty flesh that they are.
Knowing they are going to mess up but still preparing a place at the table for them to eat.
Understanding that it may take a while for them to get over certain sins in their life, but still allowing them a place to serve in the house of the Lord.
Overall it is the love of Christ that will win the lost and bring the backslider back. Our job is to operate in that love ALWAYS.
In doing so we make sure there is always a bridge back to Christ available to all who we encounter.
Tomorrow as you prepare for church, think of ways you can be more accepting of the lost sheep entering the doors. Be more intentional on letting the love of Christ be felt on each person you encounter.
Once we learn how to accept people in the proper light, flawed vessels that have messed up and will mess up, it makes operating in love a bit easier.
It is that acceptance that brings praise to God.
Lets pray…
“Father, mold my heart to be more like yours. Help me to judge others less and love on them more. Teach me how to accept the sin nature of man without condoning the sinful acts. I want everybody I encounter to feel the love of Christ. Because you ARE the only way. I pray these things in your precious name, Amen.” |
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