Giving Acceptance
In our study of Transformational Love (T.L.) we have seen that there are a number of prerequisites to making one ready to exhibit the actions and habits of living in that love. First, T.L is founded upon the command from God. We are called to stop being controlled by our fear, to initiate and start the changes with ourselves, and to submit to the the teachings of the Sovereign One. T.L. is only available to the obedient.
Secondly, one must believe in God’s love. This is developed as we: count our blessing, see God’s love demonstrated within the actions of others, witness His love as it is revealed in the events of history, consider His own loving sacrifice to humanity, and believe that God longs to share His love with us.
Lastly, we develop a new self-talk language. We overcome negative self-talk by comprehending our worth as a gift not an achievement, by stopping the destruction found in comparing ourselves with others, and remembering whose we are. This new language enables us to “translate” T.L. from the abstract into the practical.
With these truths firmly controlling our hearts and minds, we are then ready to walk the walk of transformed people. Habits change. Desires are harnessed. We begin to look more like Jesus because we begin to act more like Jesus. The next few lessons will challenge those wishing to experience T.L. to start taking the action-steps which prove the sincerity of their transformation.
Today’s lesson will offer the first of those transformational habits – giving acceptance to others. What does it mean to give our acceptance? What does it not mean? How do we go about giving our acceptance to all? Is it possible to look beyond an offense and still bless the offender with the gift of acceptance?
The lesson will view three Bible characters who offer some specific answers to such queries. Jesus connected with sinners and had the ability to see beyond their sin. Paul lays out some specific strategies for granting acceptance to those whose behavior has not been very acceptable. And Solomon offers some proverbial truths which aid in comprehending how to accomplish this transforming practice. Ready for the challenge? Ready to do some self-examination? God bless all who are His, as they walk the path of extending acceptance!
