“Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other. This will bring honor to God.” Romans 15:7
When I read this verse I feel as if Paul was saying this in a “there you go” attitude. As if he spoke into the microphone and dropped it at the end as a statement.
Think about it…we come to Christ all banged up, bruised, and even broken. We may say, “Why would Jesus want anyone like me?” Well, it’s because He cares. He loves you. All of you, no matter the condition you’re in. He will take the good, bad, and ugly and give you a renewing of the heart.
1 John 2:6 says, “If we say we live in God, we must live the way Jesus lived.” That means those of us that have accepted Christ as our Savior and are now called Christians, and we are to live like Jesus did.
I’ve heard it said that another phrase for Christian is “Christ like”. So, if He can/will/does accept us with all our flaws, we need to be more forgiving, gracious, and loving to others. Yep, even those who are hard to love. They probably need our “Christ likeness” the most. Agree?
“But, Stephanie, it’s hard to accept so-and-so.” Don’t tell me about it (unless you really need to chat), but tell God. Call out to God and have a good chat with Him. You’ll be surprised at how much grace He will give you towards that person when we allow Him to shine through us.
You know the verse, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Believe it! God will give you the strength you need to be nice. Imagine that your “acceptance” through your kindness towards others will maybe, just maybe, shine some of God’s light on them and help them to turn their ways/attitude for the better. Yep, God will use you.
The latter part of Romans 15:7 says, “…This will bring honor to God.” God will have a big smile on His face when we bring honor to Him. Don’t you want to put a smile on God’s face? I know I do.
So…go and be nice. This will honor God.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Luke 10:27
“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31
