I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:13-14 (Message)

 

A careful reading of the gospel reveals that Jesus did not first come to correct people's behaviour, but rather He actively seeks to correct people's perceptions of God. That is not to say that Jesus tolerated or overlooked sinful behaviour. He seeks out people who are separated from God and invites them to follow Him so that they can know the Father. Jesus understands their struggles, but He also recognises that they will not change their behaviour unless and until they experience God's transforming work from within.

By accepting and journeying with all of these people, Jesus was able to transform them and call them to proclaim His Kingdom and perform many great and mighty deeds. Knowing that Christ loves them empowers them to use the gospel to break down racial and gender barriers, as well as cultural pride and prejudice. Similarly, as Christ's beloved, we can do the same for others every day, everywhere.

Acceptance does not imply agreement with or approval of another person's decisions or life choices. It is about appreciating someone and learning to fully understand them, even if you disagree on certain points. It comes from a place of genuine love, not expecting change as a condition of friendship, but rather seeing change as the fruit of God's Spirit at work in that relationship.

Learn to accept your friends, neighbours, and coworkers while praying for the grace to love them as Christ loves you. Look for opportunities to form loving and trusting friendships. Always be patient and rest in God's timing to bring about His will in their lives.