Tuesday, February 16

Unity Requires Acceptance

Scripture:

“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Romans 15:7

Observation:

If we want unity, we have to learn to accept one another. We need to accept the differences in our personalities. We need to accept that we all work through problems, and we need to extend grace to each other in the process. We have to learn to accept our preferences. So many of us fight over non-essential, preferential things. Acceptance doesn’t mean approval, but we have to accept people just as Christ accepts us.

Application:

It’s not our job to change people. Change is one of the purposes of the Holy Spirit, as He works on us, heals us and leads us. Our job is to extend the love of Jesus to those around us. Ask yourself this: if you’d never encountered the accepting love of Christ, would you have experienced the same change and growth in your own life? Jesus asks us to love and accept each other, not change each other. Let unity flow from acceptance.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for the times that I have not accepted those around me. I open my heart to you now and ask that you show me any biases or judgements that I’ve been holding that do not please you. Thank you for your grace and acceptance of me, especially when I’m a mess. Help me to lead as an example of acceptance and love and leave the changing up to you. Amen.