Offer Acceptance
Learning to Offer Acceptance
In today’s passage, the apostle Paul writes to Christ-followers in the city of Rome. At the time, disagreement had arisen within the church about non-essential issues — particularly over whether certain foods could be eaten or certain days should be celebrated.
In the Old Testament, God had designated some foods as “clean” and others as “unclean” for the Hebrew people. But after Christ’s resurrection, those distinctions were no longer required. Still, some Jewish believers struggled to fully embrace this freedom, while others who understood their liberty in Christ were frustrated with their hesitation.
Paul’s words in Romans 15:1–7 address the tension between these two groups. And within his teaching is a timeless truth for us today: acceptance matters in the body of Christ.
Read
Romans 15:1–7 (NIV)
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Reflect
What is Paul’s answer to handling differences on non-essential issues? (v. 7)
What is the outcome of that kind of acceptance?
How might our willingness to accept one another glorify God to nonbelievers?
The Greek word translated “accept” is proslambanō, which can mean “to welcome in.” This isn’t a one-time gesture or begrudging tolerance. It’s an ongoing action — a heart posture of making space for someone without judgment.¹
Paul exhorts the Roman believers — and us — to accept one another without condemnation. Especially when it comes to “gray areas” of life not clearly defined in Scripture, acceptance is more important than always being “right” in our own minds.
1 John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 495.
Respond
The older I get as a mother and Christ-follower, the more “gray” I see. Convictions that once seemed black and white in parenting have softened with time and perspective.
I remember when we first moved to McKinney. I was pregnant with our fourth child and had three little ones ages four and under. Our new neighborhood was filled with young families, and I was eager to form friendships — for myself and for my kids. But I found myself more concerned about what my kids might be exposed to in someone else’s home — whether it was junk food or screen time — than I was about the opportunity God had placed before me to share His love with my neighbors.
In time, I learned that my neighbors had their own hesitations about playdates at my house. As our friendships grew, we navigated different parenting styles without judgment — learning from one another instead of dividing over differences.
Good parents will disagree on many things:
Homemade vs. store-bought baby food
School choices
Whether to allow dating
And yes, even wearing shorts and sandals to junior high in January (not that I’d know anything about that)
Moms need to know they are accepted — especially in the gray. We live in a culture quick to critique, and mothers can be hard on themselves and each other. Let’s change that.
For Personal Reflection
What are some “gray” parenting issues that have created friction in your church or community? List as many as come to mind.
Have you been part of the problem or the solution in the life of the mother you honor on Mother’s Day? In what way?
How can you show acceptance to your mother — or a mother-figure — in honor of Mother’s Day?