Ten Ways God's People Enhance Acceptance

When we face challenges that are beyond our normal strengths we need support and encouragement from others. (Phil. 2:1-5) is an excellent guideline in this process:

Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

5. Choose Good Models Who are Not Critical

Romans 14:1-7 gives great insights into how to choose the best role models for learning how to accept others according to the freedom of individual conscience:

The Danger of Criticism

1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.

5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. 6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.

6. Learn to Overlook Faults and Imperfections

Even successful people struggle with imperfections and sufferings. No one is immune to hardships, adversities or discouragements. When we learn that the Lord accepts us inspite of our imperfections we can learn to do the same for others. Love overlooks faults and is not irritable, touchy or judgmental. If you are not willing to listen to peoples' struggles they will sense you do not accept them for who they are. This does not mean that we have to approve of sinful behavior but we learn to accept the sinner while distancing ourselves from the sin.

7. Acceptance is a Process

Paul wrote, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Eph. 4:28-32)

No one learns to master the art of acceptance without a gradual learning curve. We all grow in all aspects into Christ by speaking, living and exercising the love of Christ through maturing in many areas of life. This is the process of sanctification, maturation and incarnation