This world is obsessed with the notion of seeking “acceptance”. Sadly, a person’s measure of his or her worth and importance is based on the number of “likes” and “dislikes” on social media platforms. What is even more devastating is that this toxicity of wanting and seeking acceptance has permeated amongst believers. Contrary to the core tenets of Christianity, judgmentalism, criticism, comparison and condemnation have become the hallmark attributes.
The truth is, Jesus Christ is the ONLY one who can fulfill our need to be accepted. We read about our total and complete acceptance by God in Hebrews 13:5 “…for He himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ It is noteworthy that God’s total acceptance of us is based on underserving grace. God does not like or dislike us based on our behavior or actions. He accepts us perfectly despite our multitude of imperfections. Until we fully recognize and believe our own underserving acceptance by our Lord, we cannot extend grace and acceptance towards others.
Our desire for acceptance based on worldly measures will result in disappointment. Galatians 1:10 states, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ”. As children of God, our acceptance of self and of each other should be grounded on our faith and love for our Lord. Having received undeserving grace and mercy, our worth must be bolstered by the truth that we have been created in the very image of the most high God. Our acceptance and self-worth must come from the guarantee of His unconditional love and protection.
Let’s pray that the Lord will bless us to grow in wisdom and fully accept the unconditional love, forgiveness and reconciliation we find in Jesus Christ. When we understand and accept His love for us, we will learn to accept ourselves and our brothers and sisters the way He sees each one of us. We read in Romans 2:11 “For God does not show favoritism”. Praise God that He loves each one of us for who we are and embraces us into His loving arms of safety and eternal acceptance.
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