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 The Message

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 some issues. It comes from a place of genuine love, not demanding change as the premise of the friendship, but seeing change as the fruit of God's Spirit at work in that relationship. Acceptance requires character, integrity, and, most crucially, the ability to patiently wait. All friendships cannot last or withstand arguments and differences unless they are based on loving acceptance and forgiveness.

Jesus accepts all of His disciples with their flaws and misguided ideas and actions. Jesus accepts Paul as he is and commissions him to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus welcomes Zacchaeus unconditionally, and this changes everything for Zacchaeus. When Jesus accepts the adulterous woman, she gains the ability to repent and change her behaviour.

A careful reading of the gospel tells us Jesus did not first come with pointers to correct people's behaviour, but He actively seeks to correct people's perception of God. That is not to say that Jesus ignored or overlooked sinful behaviour. He seeks out people who are far from God and invites them to follow Him so that they may know the Father. Jesus understands their struggles, but He also recognises that they will not change their behaviour unless and until they experience the transforming work of God from the inside.

In accepting and journeying with all of these people, Jesus was able to change them and call them to proclaim His Kingdom and do many great and mighty deeds. Knowing Christ loves them empowers them individuals to use the gospel to break down racial and gender boundaries, as well as cultural pride and prejudice. Similarly, we who are loved by Christ can do the same in His Name for others every day, everywhere.

Learn to embrace your friends, neighbours and co-workers while praying for the grace to love them as Christ loves you. Look for opportunities to build some wonderful friendships with them. Always be patient and trust God's timing to accomplish His will in their lives.