Acceptance is a big deal. We crave it and are wired for it. It’s how God made us. Unfortunately, religion trains us to think that God does not accept us unless we do the right thing, causing us to buy into the lie that we shouldn’t accept ourselves until we “get it right”. Perfectionism is the trophy of pride. Many believers think that they are the problem and an obstacle to God and what He wants to accomplish. We think of ourselves as God’s opponents and enemies and even when we do the right thing, we are at best, just His servants. But the truth is radically different than these false or incomplete identities founded on the deception that we are not accepted.
Romans tells us to “accept one another just as Christ has accepted us.” JUST AS! God accepts you because of Jesus! That is the basis for accepting yourself and others. You are not God’s opponent, you are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), His work of art! You are far from His obstacle, you are His instrument (Romans 6\) and you are much more than just a servant, you are His child! God completely and unashamedly accepts you and it has nothing to do with how you feel, how you act, or how you think but knowing it can transform all of that. Let’s reject what religion has taught us and embrace what Jesus has done for us. Acceptance is not earned; it is gifted because it is all of grace and believing Him changes everything!
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.