Accept One Another

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." (Romans 15:7 NIV)

- This is a command to accept/ welcome one another, regardless of whether they are strong believers or weak believers. Paul wanted the Body of Christ to have unity. If Christ accepts all Christians, we must do the same. We must not reject any brother or sister in Christ, who is also God's child/servant. Christ is our Lord and Master; to Him alone all believers are accountable. We are to love, serve, forgive, and accept one another just as Christ has done for us (even though He knows everything about us...the good, the bad, and the ugly). Christ accepts both the Jews and the Gentiles who put their faith in Him. We are called to bear with one another's weaknesses. Treat one another with grace, mercy, respect, humility, patience, gentleness, compassion, and kindness even when we may disagree/have different opinions and/or have different personalities (some of which may seem unpleasant/annoying to you). We are to accept all brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere in the world no matter if they speak different languages and come from different cultures. We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord! Welcome them with open arms.

- The purpose is to bring praise and glory to God! Our Heavenly Father is glorified when we, His children, truly love one another not just in words but also in actions and live in harmony with one another.

"If the Lord Jesus has indeed received us, and bears with our weaknesses and follies, well may we have patience with one another, and show pity to each other's infirmities. Christ did not receive us because we were perfect, because he could see no fault in us, or because he hoped to gain somewhat at our hands. Ah, no! but, in loving condescension covering our faults, and seeking our good, he welcomed us to his heart; so, in the same way, and with the same purpose, let us receive one another." (Charles Spurgeon)

"Some people can be difficult to love
And so we do not even try to care,
But God says, 'Love them just as I've loved you--
You'll bring Me glory as My love you share.'"
(Cetas)

- Prayer: "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you and me the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you and I may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Romans 15:5-6)

Lyrics:
When you are going to judge
You need to take a second look
Not at your brother's speck
But the warning that's in The Book
'Cause who alone can judge
Except the One who knows our mind?
He knows the inner man
And difficulties we may find

So often we condemn (Condemn)
And our minds are never in gear (Minds are never in gear)
Our feelings then are led (Are led)
By suspicious, crippling fear (Suspicious, crippling)
To love our brothers now (Now)
We've got to use our Master's eyes (Eyes)
So we will not condemn
The result will be a surprise when we...

Chorus:
Accept one another without judging your brother
The Lord has been good to you
Accept one another without judging your brother
It's the Godly thing you ought to do
Accept one another without judging your brother
There's no need to cause a fight
Accept one another without judging your brother
It's the Godly way of living right

What do you want yourself (What do you want?)
When it comes right down to a choice?
Is judgement what you want (What you want)
Or a kind and merciful voice (Merciful voice)
To tell you that they care
And are overlooking the bad?
They know your faults so well
But are accepting you instead

And now we leave with your choice
Won't you tell me what'll you do? (What'll you do?)
The measures that you use
Is the measure that's used for you
So when you're prone to judge
Won't you think of this simple song
Before you make mistakes
By judging and treating them wrong, instead...

Repeat Chorus

When you think of what He's done
Givin' up His only son
Livin' in a world of hate
How can you retaliate?
Knowing what he's done for me
Following His legacy
I'm gonna rise above
Accepting those that He has loved

Repeat Chorus

It's the Godly way of living right
It's the Godly way of living right