Accept one another
Romans 15:7: Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
We are In a world that seems divided everyday, this is a call for unity and acceptance withing the community of believers.
Romans 15 is part of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, written to address conflicts between Jewish and Gentile Christians. They had different customs, doctrines, traditions, and views on what it meant to be a follower of Christ.
Paul, understanding the danger of division, urges the church to live in harmony by accepting one another. The ultimate example of acceptance is Jesus Christ, who embraced all of humanity, regardless of background, sin, or social standing.
The way Christ accepted us should shape the way we accept others. Jesus accepted us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). He did not demand that we first get our act together or that we meet certain standards of righteousness. Instead, He welcomed us with open arms, offering grace, love, and forgiveness. We did nothing to deserve it, but we received it freely.
In the same way, we are called to extend that same grace to others. This is radical because it means accepting people not based on their merit, their background, or how comfortable they make us feel, but simply because God has accepted them and loved them.
The reality is, accepting one another isn't always easy. We encounter people with different beliefs, values, and lifestyles. Sometimes, we even find it difficult to accept those within our own church because of differences in personality, theological views, or worship preferences.
But acceptance does not mean endorsement of sin or compromise of truth. Rather, it’s a posture of grace and love that allows us to see the humanity in others and treat them as bearers of God's image.
We must remember that the Christian body is not built on uniformity but on unity in Christ. Differences will always exist, but the glue that holds us together is the love of Christ. Paul reminds us earlier in Romans 14:1 to "Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters." This means we ought to prioritize love over being right or having things our way.
Our unity and acceptance of one another become a testimony to the world. Jesus Himself said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).
Practical Ways to Accept One Another:
1. Extend Grace: Just as Christ extended grace to us, we must be willing to extend grace to others. This means forgiving when we’ve been wronged, being patient with those who may be difficult, and allowing space for others to grow in their faith.
2. Practice Hospitality: In Romans 12:13, Paul says, "Practice hospitality." Acceptance can be shown through acts of kindness and welcoming others into our homes and lives, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
3. Listen and Understand: Sometimes, acceptance begins with simply listening to someone’s story and seeking to understand their perspective. This doesn’t mean you’ll always agree, but it shows that you value them as a person.
4. Pray for One Another: Prayer is a powerful way to break down barriers and foster acceptance. When we pray for others, God can soften our hearts and help us to see them through His eyes.
5. Embrace Diversity: Instead of fearing differences, celebrate the diversity in the body of Christ. Whether it’s different cultures, traditions, or backgrounds, diversity reflects the creativity of God. Our differences don’t have to divide us; they can enrich our community.
In conclusion, Christ didn't die for us to have some set of differences as his followers, his death brings uniformity and love, irrespective of tribe, colour, tradition or location. Let us accept one another just as Christ has accepted us.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, grant us the grace to accept others in love just as you have accepted us even when we were yet sinners.
3. Lord, restore unity and your love amongst us and bridge the gap of hatred and discord in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.