Accepting One Another

As Christians, we are to demonstrate acceptance of one another. That means no judgment and noo condemnation. Romans 8:1 says: “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”  If Christ doesn't condemn me, I should not condemn others. Ephesians 4:32 says: “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

We are to be kind to one another, forgive one another, and be tenderhearted to one another. Isn't that exactly what Jesus did to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery. When she was brought to Jesus, He had every right to condemn her. But he didn't. After her accusers left one by one, he said in John 8:10-11: “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” He didn't condone her behavior, but neither did he condemn her.

The people close to us need the same from us. Even if we can't condone what someone does, we don't have to heap condemnation on them. What I am saying is that I need to give others the luxury of being less than perfect, since I am less that perfect.

I would like to encourage each of us to make sure that our spouse, our children, our parents, our family members, our co-workers, our fellow church members, and our friends know that when they are less than perfect, even when they do something really dumb, we won't abandon you. We will accept them as we are accepted by Jesus. People need to feel that acceptance.