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Romans 15:7

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Do you know when people ask you to think ‘happy thoughts’? It’s just a general principle of life that what you think about internally will get reflected outwardly.

I think sometimes we find accepting others hard to do. But that’s because we so often focus on the external; striving and working at trying to accept people. However, if we were to think about the acceptance Christ has for us, that external change will come supernaturally.

If we strive and force ourselves to accept others in our own strength then let fair be fair and some praise should go to you. No the acceptance of others – as Christ accepted us! – can only be a work of God.

Christ accepted you just as you are, with open arms, in love and with rejoicing.

Spend the best of your time focusing on how Jesus accepted you and you will find yourself accepting others. In that way, praise must be given to God.

Prayer for the week: Father, thank you for how you created us for relationship with you. Let your Spirit be a constant provider and teacher in my life. May my relationships with others be the same, full of life and love.