How Do I Accept?
Acceptance can be difficult. Things change constantly and as I look back in ministry, sometimes we need reminders. We are here to share the good news, give the truth in love and help others change their lives. It seems “sin” is revealed in different ways today. We see more crime and evil, and we do believe the enemy knows his time is short and he is working overtime to kill and destroy. John 10:10 The thief has come to kill and destroy.
As leaders, we must always ask the Holy Spirit to help us see sinners, the lost through his eyes. Sinners sin because they are sinners. As a pastor in California for over thirty years, I would always be amazed that people had never attended church or did not know anything about the Bible stories. We had to start with the basics.
Romans 15:7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
I love Romans 15 where Paul addresses how we should look at our world where God has placed us. We are taught to be strong and mature but sometimes we lose sight of having compassion for those who are not mature or in the process of maturing.
The Roman church was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, strong and weak. Romans 15 tells us what to do when it is difficult to accept all (everyone).
1. WE ARE TO EMBRACE.
Romans 15:1 Now those who are mature in their faith can easily be recognized, for they don’t live to please themselves but have learned to patiently EMBRACE others in their maturity. The church can come across as “I’ve got it altogether, what’s wrong with you. I am better or above you”.
A. Embrace is to accept.
Accepting means taking people into our homes as well as our hearts, sharing meals and avoiding any racial or economic discrimination. I know we must be wise and there are many difficult situations. But there is no one “too lost” or “too terrible”. In the natural it seems to be true, but we all have seen God do the impossible.
B. We accept others as Christ has accepted us.
This can be difficult at times and there are times when we do all we can do and must trust our heavenly father to do the impossible again. It seems we fail but we continue to pray and do what we can. The one who accepted us will give us the strength and wisdom we need.
2. WE ARE TO EMPOWER.
Romans 15:2 Our goal must be to empower others to do what is right and good for them, and to bring them into spiritual maturity.
Empower: Make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights.
A. We empower by our example.
Live in a manner that strengthens the weak in faith. Christ was our example as a servant to all.
B. We empower each other by building relationships, teaching and trusting.
This must be intentional. We think, “I don’t know if I can trust this person; I have been hurt”. I have been there and hurt by those we poured our lives into. But we need to trust again and continue to empower and equip others for maturity.
I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
This is a process, and it may take days, months, and even years to make this happen. Do not get discouraged but keep being faithful.
3. WE ARE TO ENCOURAGE.
Romans 15:4 Whatever was written beforehand is meant to instruct us in how to live. The Scriptures impart to us encouragement and inspiration so that we can live in hope and endure all things.
We can feel, “I am the one who needs encouragement”. This tells us how we can be encouraged always. There is help in our weak moments so we can be strong for others. As leaders, this is our call!
A. Encouragement comes from the knowledge of the Scriptures.
Knowledge of the Scriptures affects our attitude toward the present and future. The more we know about what God has done in the past, gives us the confidence we have what we need for journey today!
I have found that prayer is also such a part of my maturing process. I am sure, you have been encouraged and strengthened by the word and prayer and you were able to take your next steps.
2 Corinthians 12:8,10 My grace is always more than enough for you. 10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness but delighted. For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment -when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ - I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.
B. Encouragement comes when you value someone.
The basic scripture and greatest commandment are so powerful as we look and share with people.
James 2:8-9 Your calling is to fulfill the royal law of love as given to us in this Scripture, “You must love and value your neighbor as you love and value yourself. For keeping this law is the noble way to live. But when you show prejudice, you commit sin, and you violate this royal law of love.
As leaders, we cannot be critical, and stop seeing the good in others and see only their faults. This will cause us to lose our unity.
CONCLUSION:
As leaders we can get tired and feel all we do is give. But our call is forever,
and He will never ask us to do something that we cannot do. It is always a
heart issue: we can willingly and joyfully be obedient. We will be so blessed as we embrace, empower, and encourage.
Romans 15:7 You will bring God glory when you ACCEPT and welcome one another as partners, just as the Anointed One has fully accepted you and received you as his partner.
Romans 15:13 Now my God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him.
And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his
superabundance until you radiate with hope. The Holy Spirit imparts not only spiritual gifts to the believer but also joy and peace and hope. It does not get any better than this: we are accepted, loved, and a partner of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are more than able to do His will for your life.
REFLECT: Do you find it difficult to accept everyone? What are the steps you can take to accept others as He has instructed?