The people who condemned Christ to death and crucified Him did not understand what really happened that day. They thought that beating Him into submission, crucifying Him and ridiculing Him until the moment of His death showed that they had the ultimate power over Him. The truth is, Christ freely accepted His own suffering and death as His Father’s will. In doing so, He taught us that God’s will in our own lives is not always easy. It may even be hard to understand. Christ’s example also teaches us that sometimes true success and triumph can be disguised in what the world may think is weakness or failure.
The first step to acceptance is realizing that there are some things in your life that you cannot change. Perhaps a close family member or friend has died. Maybe you or someone you know is dealing with pain or illness. Maybe a disability makes it impossible for you to participate in sports or to learn at the same pace as your friends. You might want to blame God or someone else for the cross you are having to bear.
Instead, as Christ did, decide to accept your challenges as God’s will in your life and use them as inspiration to make a difference to others. If someone you’ve loved has died, you could use your own experience with grief to help them get through the same experience. People who endure pain and illness often actually become stronger. Many times a disability in one area reveals a particular strength in another. Always remain ready to allow God to use your challenges as tools to make you a better person and the world a better place.
What Does The Bible Say About Acceptance?
Accepting yourself and the life God has given you is an important first step. However, the Bible tells us that we should also accept others.
Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7
But the Lord said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart. – I Samuel 16:7
Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. – James 5:9
Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something. – I Corinthians 1:27-28
A Point to Ponder
It’s hard to get others to accept Jesus if you haven’t accepted him first.
A Disciple’s Acceptance Prayer
“Dearest Jesus, the salvation You have won for me is more than I can imagine. Help me to accept this gift. May it be reflected to others in every word I say and every move I make today. In Your name I pray, Amen.”
