Lovingly Accept Others
What does it mean to ‘accept’ another believer? Since the same word for ‘accepting’ which is used in Eph 4:1-2 is also used in Col 3:13, we can say that accepting a fellow Christian means we put up with or tolerate them (Col 3:13, CEV with TNT) even when they are different (Rom 14:1). Indeed, we are very patient in tolerating them (Col 3:13, Phillips-2nd ed). We are gentle and forbearing (Col 3:13, AB). We are not routinely angry at them (Col 3:13, NCV). Thus, we obey the command to make allowances for and put up with the other’s faults (Col 3:13, NLT with GW) because we love them (Eph 4:1-2, Phillips-2nd ed cf. TCNT).
However, there is a more positive aspect of accepting others. It is more than merely bearing with, tolerating, and putting up with another. It means to take them to our hearts (Rom 15:7, BB) by having fellowship with them (Rom 15:7, Montgomery) in kindness (Rom 14:1) and as a friend (Rom 14:1, TCNT). We accept others by welcoming them (Rom 14:1, Barclay) warmly (Rom 14:1, Cassirer), in a friendly way (Rom 15:7, Lamsa), and with open arms (Rom 14:1, Message) even if they are weak in their faith (Rom 14:1, REB).
Accepting others is tied to forgiving them (Col 3:13) and, together, these two activities are how we obey the command to clothe ourselves with mercy (Col 3:12). We accept others through humility and gentleness (Eph 4:1-2) – and let us remember that gentleness is a result of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, Gal 5:22-23). By accepting others the way the Lord accepted us (Rom 15:7, NCV), we are honoring God (Rom 15:7, CEV).
Do we really accept each other, though? Do parents accept their teenagers (and vice versa) in this way? Do teens accept their peers when they strive to be cool and, thus, ridicule and exclude others? Are our churches accepting or more cliquish? Do we tolerate differences or pressure others to believe and act as we do? Trying to control others by insisting on conformity is not tolerating them and their differences. If we would honor the Lord, let us accept one another.
Dealing with fear in an evil world.