Acceptance

The word acceptance as defined by dictionary.com: The act of taking or receiving something offered, the act of assenting or believing (e.g., acceptance of a theory), or the fact or state of being accepted or acceptable.

As can be seen by these definitions, one can understand this word in many ways. A person may accept many different things such as money, a compliment, or even a new job. Acceptance is also level three on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, (Love and belonging). If you are unfamiliar with this, Love and belonging fall number three under biological and physiological needs such as air, water, and sleep and Safety Needs such as shelter, security, and order. I know, a bunch of phycological mumbo jumbo, but it is true.

We are accepted into the family first and foremost and then into society as a whole. Our parents start teaching us social skills at home in the family unit, and that carries over to the “Real World.” Public schools further enforce these skills in the classroom among other social activities at school.

Acceptance, It is a big deal. Deep down even the biggest loner that we know wants just one thing, to be accepted. We all want this! No, we need to be accepted! Now, not to say that this does not happen but take a second and think about what your life would be like now if you had not been accepted by your family, friends, or society. Heartbreaking! Lonely! Depressing! All of the above and then more.

Now let us look at this Biblically. The first big question that comes to mind is this,”How did Jesus feel?” The Old Testament is a prophecy of the coming Messiah (Jesus). All of the prophets taught about the one that would save the world, replace the order, and save our souls. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.”(John 1: 1-2 ESV) Jesus, the Son of God, was God, was there in the creation of all we know. How did we treat Him? Beat Him, mocked Him, put Him in prison, made Him carry His cross, and Crucified Him. Why? Even though all the miracles that Jesus performed while He walked this Earth in the flesh, they were not in acceptance that he was the Messiah of prophecy. So He was scorned.

In the end, this all comes down to Love and Forgiveness. Christ was the perfect example of both of these and Jesus should be our example. The Book of Romans tells us, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jew on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed (Romans 15:7-9 NIV). We have all been accepted by Christ, all he wants in return is for us to accept Him. After all, what do we have to lose; Eternal Life?

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2 ESV)

God Bless,

Chaplain Hamilton

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Prayer Request

Ressie’s Sister Debbie…She is battling cancer.

Elizabeth “Tiny” Setters…Stage 2 lung cancer.

Our Government…Government shutdown Day 2.

Our Military down range in harms way.