| Psalm 34:3 – “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” |
Many of us have people within our lives we find challenging. This might be a difficult coworker, a family member continually making unfortunate choices, or someone with whom we feel frustrated after interacting with them.
Common responses towards challenging people are to complain about them to others, argue with them, or silently let our resentment towards them grow. Today’s text suggests an alternative approach, that being simply to accept them. There are a couple of considerations concerning this approach.
First, we may need to establish appropriate boundaries for our mental health, peace and safety. However, it also means we are to remember every person, regardless of our feelings towards them, is made in the LORD’s image. In addition, we are commanded by Jesus to love one another. This means we are to love the person as they are in this moment, while praying and believing in who they can become by embracing the LORD’s saving grace and love.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the ultimate gift of your acceptance of us through the sacrificial death of Jesus. Help us to choose to accept and love every person we encounter in our daily lives. In the Strong Name of Jesus, Amen.
- Phylllis Hooten
