Accept One Another

by Bethany Lashbrook

This week's verse: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Recently, one of my friends cried to me and other friends regarding a way someone had spoke about her child. As a mother, there is nothing more discouraging than others thinking your child is inadequate. After all, they came from us. We raised them. They are a blessing in our lives, no matter their circumstances. Everyone makes mistakes, but let's face it, when it is our children - we have more compassion.

Our children are condemned by others. Yet, when I am upset with someone (for simple or large things) I tend to forget that this child has a mother, a father, and a family who loves and cares for them deeply - even with their inadequacies.

Just the same, God loves us as we love our children. God has watched us from the beginning idolize other gods (Deuteronomy 7:4 & Jeremiah 5:7) but continues to adore us (John 13:1, Deuteronomy 7:9). Our inadequacies don't matter. We know we can repent and ask for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). So, why don't we use this general rule when applied to our own lives? Why look so harshly upon others? We don't know the whole story.

But, God does know our whole story, and He loves us anyway. Today, let's be less judgmental and more loving towards others. Let's remember who Jesus loves - each and every single one of us. We are all created in his image (Genesis 1:27). Praise the Lord for that!

Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness when we are wrong. Thank you for making us each unique. When we fail you Lord, help us to remember that you love us anyway. When others fail us, help us to remember we are all human. We know we all make mistakes, but help us to remember we all need forgiven too. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Application: Do you have an issue with someone in your life? Do you look down on someone for choices they have made? This week, every time you want to snuff them, pray blessings upon them and let's all marvel on how our lives will be changed!

Power Verses:

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

Acts 10:43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (NIV)