UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE
- Key Verse
- "And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:8-9)
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Central Truth
Just as God accepts everyone because He loves unconditionally, we should also welcome and encourage all to receive the gospel.
Reflections
Have you ever looked at someone and thought how different or strange he or she is? Why does that person wear such quirky clothing, or have such a peculiar hair style, or even express an opposing opinion? Of course, we all have done that. And, perhaps, we've guiltily admonished ourselves for thinking that way.When I was an eighth-grade English teacher, I expected all students to come to class prepared, having their assignments, textbook, notebook, paper and pencils. And for the most part they did. However, I remember one quiet, freckle-faced boy who frequently arrived without paper and pencil, and for which I promptly reprimanded him. Soon I realized, after a few of these incidents and talking with other teachers, that he came from a very poor family who could not afford such common things as paper and pencils! His family was more worried about buying food and keeping the electricity bill paid. From then on, I saw not a student who just casually forgot but a boy who simply could not have basic school supplies. Discreetly, I made sure he had a pencil and paper for class.
Unfortunately, my mind's initial reaction was that he was a "slacker" who did not care. I had unjustly labeled him and was an obstacle preventing him learning learning to the fullest! I was so blinded by the rules of the classroom that I singled out a child, burdening him unfairly, just as the Pharisees did when they demanded "the Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses." God does not discriminate for "He knows the heart."
Lord, place on my heart: "[I]t is through the grace of Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." (Acts 15:11b NIV)
Discussion Questions
- Do you encounter people every day who you initially, and unfairly, label? If yes, why is that?
- In what ways does such labeling or stereotyping hinder, or even block, our ability to see them as our Lord does?
- What are some ways we can overcome perceiving others in a negative, discriminating manner?
- From your own experiences, can you describe some specific examples of perceiving others in a labeling, stereotyping, or discriminating way ?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.
Karen
February 16, 2010 07:09 AM
This was a tough one - I'm sure we have all been "violators" at least once of discriminating in some fashion. Thanks for the reminder: we should love unconditionally just as God unconditionally loves us!
regina wentz
February 16, 2010 07:34 AM
I too have looked at people who are different then myself and formed unjust judgement. Three years ago at my son Pete's funeral I learned a life-saving lesson from the testimonies of many young people and exconvicts. My son walk the streets of Charlottesville and told the story of the love of God and Jesus. Many were lead by Pete to change their lives and follow Jesus.
Karen Goins
February 16, 2010 08:55 AM
Lynn, Thank you for your very insightful message today. It made me "shift gears" in my thinking and reminded me of the great significance of unconditional love and how embracing this attitude brings us into an intimacy with our Lord like no other!
shirley
February 16, 2010 10:47 AM
Thanks, Lynn. Reminds me of "The Same Kind Of Different As Me."
Lynnette Gore
February 16, 2010 07:40 PM
Your example of the student hit home to me. Thank you for the food for thought.
Julie
February 17, 2010 07:14 PM
Thanks Lynn, for sharing this message and the reminder that the good news of Jesus' love starts with seeing beyond what we actually "see" and opening our hearts to others as Jesus did.
kelly spencer
February 21, 2010 08:38 AM
Lynn, what a wonderful story to clearly show the power of misreading people. I have (as Iam sure we all have) been the person that was misunderstood. I understood why people made assumptions about me but it was so sad I couldnt explain and they didnt bother to find out. I have also had the experience of the blessing and affirmation of those who took the time to get to know me and not make those wrong assumptions. you obviously were the blessing in that students life. Thanks for sharing your story and being a teacher that was sensitive to his situation. Kelly
kelly spencer
February 21, 2010 08:38 AM
Lynn, what a wonderful story to clearly show the power of misreading people. I have (as Iam sure we all have) been the person that was misunderstood. I understood why people made assumptions about me but it was so sad I couldnt explain and they didnt bother to find out. I have also had the experience of the blessing and affirmation of those who took the time to get to know me and not make those wrong assumptions. you obviously were the blessing in that students life. Thanks for sharing your story and being a teacher that was sensitive to his situation. Kelly