In Christ Day 9: I Am Accepted

As we journey through the profound truths of our faith, we find ourselves reflecting on what it means to be truly accepted. Romans 15:7 beautifully encapsulates this message: “Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed us for the glory of God.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while we all crave connection, our desire for acceptance often runs even deeper.

Think about it—an open door can be inviting, but nothing compares to a personal invitation to the table. It conveys acceptance not just of our presence but of who we truly are. Here, we can come as we are, shedding our masks and the pretense of being “just fine.”

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul urges the early church to embrace one another just as Jesus has embraced them. Jesus invites us into His family, fully aware of our deepest secrets, our hidden struggles, and the thoughts we dare not share. He sees our past mistakes, our present flaws, and knows the unspoken worries about our future. Yet, despite all that, He chooses to accept us unconditionally.

The early Roman church wrestled with this very notion of acceptance, especially towards those who seemed different. Whether it was due to dietary practices, cultural customs, or religious rites such as circumcision, debates arose on what it meant to be “good enough.” This led to judgment and division, a stark contrast to the unity Christ desires for His followers.

Paul’s message is clear: such divisions only serve to fragment the body of Christ. We are fully accepted into God’s family, and rather than seeing differences as barriers, we should recognize the beautiful tapestry they create—each thread accomplished by God’s intentional design, reflecting His diverse personality. Just as He accepts us, we are called to extend that same grace and acceptance to one another.

As unique creations made in the image of God, we are part of a larger purpose: to glorify Him and grow His kingdom. This means we should embrace our fellow believers with open arms, regardless of our differences. We are recipients of grace, and it is our responsibility to share that grace with others.

Being accepted does not mean we turn a blind eye to sin. Instead, it emphasizes loving individuals as they are, with the hope of sharing the life-changing truth of the gospel. It is Christ who transforms hearts—not us. Our role is to present Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of those around us.

Today, as we affirm our identity as children of God, let us bask in the truth that we are accepted. Acceptance in Christ is a powerful foundation—one that encourages us to love without condition, to welcome without hesitation, and to extend grace generously. Remember, in Christ, we are not alone; we are embraced and accepted, and it is this acceptance that empowers us to share His love with the world.