Radical Acceptance: Reflecting God's Love in Community
Summary
Summary
Acceptance is not a passive act, but a dynamic, intentional choice to communicate value, honor, and esteem to every person we encounter. This kind of acceptance is rooted in the profound biblical truth that every human being is made in the image of God. When we interact with others, we are not simply engaging in neutral exchanges; rather, each interaction has eternal significance. We either nurture the image of God in others, drawing them closer to His likeness, or we risk distorting and wounding that image through our attitudes and actions.
This understanding transforms the way we see and treat people, including those whom society might label or marginalize. The story of the woman on the street in Chicago illustrates how easy it is to dehumanize others by categorizing them, but God calls us to see beyond labels and to recognize the sacredness of every person. Acceptance, then, is not about condoning wrong behavior, but about extending the same unconditional regard and openness that Christ has shown to us. Christ accepted us not because we were good or deserving, but in spite of our rebellion and brokenness. His acceptance is unconditional and enduring, and we are called to extend that same embrace to others.
This radical acceptance does not ignore sin or brokenness, but it refuses to let those things define a person’s worth. Even when correction or consequences are necessary, they are to be administered in a way that preserves dignity and communicates respect. The church is called to be a community where this kind of acceptance is practiced, where people are welcomed not for what they have done or can offer, but simply because they bear God’s image.
True acceptance is the foundation for trust, learning, understanding, and ultimately, serving others well. We cannot serve people effectively unless we first understand them, and understanding grows out of trust, which in turn is built on a foundation of acceptance and openness. This is the pathway to genuine community and transformation, both for individuals and for the church as a whole.
Key Takeaways
- Acceptance is a Sacred, Proactive Act
Acceptance is not merely tolerating others, but actively communicating their worth as image bearers of God. Every interaction is a sacred opportunity to honor or profane the image of God in another person. This perspective calls us to approach every relationship with intentionality and reverence, recognizing the divine significance in even the smallest encounters. [05:24]
- Rejecting Labels, Embracing Personhood
When we categorize people—by their profession, status, or failures—we risk dehumanizing them and missing the opportunity to reflect God’s love. God sees beyond our labels and calls us to do the same, extending honor and respect regardless of a person’s circumstances. This shift in perspective enables us to love as Christ loves, seeing each person as a unique and valuable creation. [10:17]
- Unconditional Acceptance Mirrors Christ’s Love
Christ accepted us not because of our goodness, but in spite of our rebellion and flaws. Our acceptance of others must mirror this unconditional embrace, extending regard and openness even when it is difficult or undeserved. This kind of acceptance is not naive; it is rooted in the gospel and is the foundation for true unity and transformation within the church. [16:38]
- Acceptance Does Not Excuse Sin, But Preserves Dignity
While acceptance is unconditional, it does not mean ignoring wrongdoing or avoiding necessary correction. Instead, it means addressing issues in a way that maintains the person’s dignity and communicates respect. Even in discipline or confrontation, we are called to honor the image of God in others, ensuring that our actions draw them closer to Christ rather than pushing them away. [11:54]
- Acceptance is the Gateway to Trust, Understanding, and Service
Genuine service flows from understanding, which is built on trust, and trust is only possible where there is true acceptance. If we attempt to serve without first understanding, we risk doing more harm than good. The journey toward meaningful relationships and effective ministry begins with an open embrace, leading to trust, learning, understanding, and finally, service that honors both God and neighbor. [23:51]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Power of Proactive Acceptance
[04:30] - Every Interaction is Sacred
[05:24] - Acceptance as Worship
[06:20] - Profanity and the Image of God
[07:28] - Ministry on the Streets: Learning Acceptance
[08:37] - Walking Slowly: Making Space for Others
[09:16] - Seeing Beyond Labels
[10:17] - The Danger of Categorizing People
[11:54] - Respect in Correction and Discipline
[13:18] - Romans 15:7 and the Call to Acceptance
[14:51] - Unity, Glory, and Acceptance
[16:38] - The Unconditional Nature of Christ’s Acceptance
[18:23] - Persistent Openness and Transformation
[20:50] - The Church’s Role in Redemptive Acceptance
[22:05] - Seeing All as Image Bearers
[23:09] - The Pathway: Openness, Acceptance, Trust
[23:51] - Understanding Before Serving
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Sacred Act of Acceptance
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### Bible Reading
- Romans 15:5-7 (NIV)
> May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 15:7, what is the reason Paul gives for accepting one another?
2. In the sermon, what does the speaker say is the basis for accepting all people, even those who are different or difficult? ([03:00])
3. What example does the speaker give to show how categorizing people can lead to dehumanizing them? ([09:16])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between acceptance and condoning wrongdoing? ([11:54])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that Christ accepted us “in spite of who we are,” and how does this shape the way we are to accept others? ([16:38])
2. Why is it important to see every person as an “image bearer of God” rather than by their labels or status? ([10:17])
3. How does the speaker connect the act of acceptance to worship and honoring God? ([05:24])
4. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of failing to accept others as God does? ([04:30])
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### Application Questions
1. Think of a time when you labeled someone (positively or negatively) before really knowing them. How did that affect your interaction? What would it look like to see them first as an image bearer of God? ([09:16])
2. The sermon says acceptance is not passive, but proactive and intentional. What is one practical way you can communicate value and honor to someone you usually overlook or avoid this week? ([01:15])
3. Is there someone in your life right now who is difficult for you to accept? What would it mean to extend Christ-like acceptance to them, even if you don’t agree with their choices? ([16:38])
4. When you need to correct or confront someone, how can you do it in a way that preserves their dignity and communicates respect? Can you think of a recent situation where this was (or wasn’t) done well? ([11:54])
5. The sermon describes a pathway: openness → acceptance → trust → learning → understanding → serving. Where do you find it hardest to move forward on this pathway in your relationships? Why? ([23:09])
6. The story of the woman on the street in Chicago shows how persistent, unconditional acceptance can lead to transformation. Who in your life might need that kind of steady, patient acceptance from you? ([18:23])
7. How can our small group become a place where people are welcomed not for what they have done or can offer, but simply because they bear God’s image? What changes might we need to make? ([22:05])
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Devotional
Day 1: Honoring God’s Image in Every Encounter
Acceptance is a sacred, proactive act that goes beyond mere tolerance. It is a deliberate choice to recognize and communicate the inherent worth of every person as a bearer of God’s image. Each interaction is an opportunity to worship God by honoring His likeness in others, treating them with reverence and intentionality. This perspective transforms everyday relationships into moments of spiritual significance, reminding us that how we treat others reflects our heart toward God. When we accept others in this way, we participate in a form of worship that glorifies God through love and respect. [05:24]
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
— Romans 12:9-10 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your daily life have you overlooked as an image bearer of God? How can you intentionally honor their worth in your next interaction with them today?
Day 2: Seeing People Beyond Their Labels
When people are reduced to categories—by their job, mistakes, or social status—they become dehumanized and invisible in their true identity. God calls us to reject these labels and instead embrace the full personhood of everyone we meet. This means looking beyond external circumstances and recognizing the sacredness and uniqueness of each individual. By doing so, we reflect Christ’s love, which sees and values people for who they truly are, not what society or past failures might suggest. This shift in perspective opens the door to genuine compassion and connection, breaking down barriers that separate us. [10:17]
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
— James 4:11 (ESV)
Reflection: Identify a person you have unconsciously labeled or judged. What steps can you take to see them as God sees them, beyond those labels, starting today?
Day 3: Embracing Others as Christ Embraces Us
Christ’s acceptance of us was unconditional, extended not because of our goodness but despite our flaws and rebellion. This radical acceptance is the model for how we are called to receive others. It requires courage and grace to offer openness and regard even when it feels undeserved or difficult. Such acceptance is not naive or permissive; it is rooted deeply in the gospel and serves as the foundation for unity and transformation within the church community. When we mirror Christ’s love in this way, we create space for healing and growth that reflects God’s redemptive work. [16:38]
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
— Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where you struggle to offer unconditional acceptance. What would it look like to extend Christ-like openness and grace in that relationship today?
Day 4: Correcting with Respect and Preserving Dignity
Unconditional acceptance does not mean ignoring sin or avoiding necessary correction. Instead, it calls for addressing wrongdoing in ways that uphold the dignity and worth of the person involved. Discipline and confrontation, when done with respect, communicate love and honor the image of God in others. This approach seeks restoration rather than rejection, aiming to draw people closer to Christ rather than pushing them away. It challenges us to balance truth and grace, ensuring that correction is redemptive and life-giving rather than damaging or dehumanizing. [11:54]
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.”
— Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to offer correction or receive it? How can you approach this with a spirit that preserves dignity and reflects God’s love?
Day 5: Building Trust Through Acceptance for Effective Service
True service flows from understanding, and understanding grows out of trust, which is only possible where there is genuine acceptance. Without first embracing others openly and without judgment, attempts to serve can cause harm or miss the mark. The pathway to meaningful relationships and effective ministry begins with acceptance that leads to trust, which then fosters learning and understanding. This foundation enables service that honors both God and neighbor, creating authentic community and transformation. Embracing this process invites the church to be a place where people are truly known, valued, and served well. [23:51]
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community needs to experience your acceptance before you can serve them well? What practical step can you take today to build trust with that person?
Quotes
Acceptance sounds like a passive word. You just accept people, that is, you just sort of let it happen. But in the biblical sense, acceptance is proactive. It's dynamic. It's assertive. I intentionally accept you, and when I'm intentionally accepting you, I'm holding you as a valuable person. I'm communicating to you that I honor you as a person, that I respect you as a person, that I hold you in high esteem as a human being. Almost nobody can resist that kind of communication. [00:00:37]
On what basis do we accept people when they're friendly when they like us when they're good people when they're part of our family on what basis do we accept us acceptance doesn't have any boundaries we are called to accept all people Romans 15 says accept one another then justice Christ accepted you we'll come back to that because that's a powerful thought and I want to explore it further but let's ask the question on what basis do you accept people are there any exceptions to those that you extend regard and esteem to acceptance is based on a very important theological premise [00:01:38]
And it's the biblical concept of acceptance respect and honoring one another but on what basis it's on the basis that we are all created in the image of God we are all image bearers of God now that is a nice theological proposition but it has profound implications for human interaction I think that next to the doctrine of God the doctrine of humanity humanity or personhood is the next most important Calvin John Calvin the reformer said all wisdom resides in this that a man or a person know God and that he know himself so that knowing who we are in the very most significant sense and knowing God our pillars of how we communicate let me give an illustration C .S. Lewis said that in life there are no innocent neutral interactions every human interaction has divine significance and worth he says every time we engage another person we [00:02:31]
We either nudge them towards eternal splendor and glory, that is, towards a God -likeness, that is, we're nurturing the image of God in them, or we are nudging them towards an eternal corruption and horror, we're mutilating, distorting, and injuring, doing injury to the image of God in that person. There are no neutral interactions. [00:03:57]
And this is a profound thought that every time I engage with another human being, I'm either moving them closer to a God -likeness, or I'm contributing to a warped, destructive destiny. Well, that affects how I treat my wife, my children, my Russian friends. It affects how I treat my boss. It affects how I treat my enemy. [00:04:30]
What does it mean that your enemies are made in the image of God? How does that determine how we treat our enemies? Well, let me give an illustration of another way in which this works itself out. Oh, by the way then, what that means is that every human interaction, every contact we have with another human being is intended to be a sacred moment. In the ultimate sense, I think it can be an act of worship. All of life is intended to be an act of worship to God. [00:05:04]
Actions which promote His glory, actions which move one another closer to His image, actions which take us in more clearly into the spiritual realm and make us people who are more like our Lord. Every action that distorts or mutilates or warps the image of God or does something bad, every one of those then is a profane moment. That is, we're profaning God and what He intends to have happen. [00:05:47]
So, profanity may not have so much to do with swearing, using bad words, but it may have a lot more to do with how we treat people. So we make common, we make profane that which God wants to be sacred and holy and draw people closer to Himself. Sometimes it comes out in fairly innocent ways. you yourself your Muriel. [00:06:20]
And pretty soon you realize that you're kind of losing touch with what's happening in the world, and the pain of the world, and the angst, and the lostness, and the depravity of the world. And so we decided, one of our students, one of my students actually said, I'd like for somebody to help me do a ministry on the streets of Chicago. And he said, I would like for it to be a black person and a woman. And I says, okay, I'll do it. I don't know, it just seemed right to say. [00:07:15]
So I talked to Muriel, and she was willing. And so we began a ministry, which continues. That was almost 20 years ago, and the ministry still continues. So we would arrive on the streets of Chicago about 8, 9 o 'clock at night until about 3 in the morning. And there was a fellow who gave us an orientation to the streets. You have to know how to function on the streets because they can be dangerous, especially in a big city like Chicago. [00:07:50]
And he says, if you're going to have a ministry on the streets, and we would wear a clerical collar, if you're going to have a ministry in the streets, you have to walk slowly. If you walk fast, people will never stop you. They'll never ask for help. They'll never want to talk. So you walk slowly. And you just make your way along like you have nothing to do except be there. [00:08:37]
And up on the opposite corner is a lady, young lady, scantily dressed, very suggestive clothing. And she's standing on the curb. So I said to my friend, I says, is that a prostitute? No, that's a person. See the difference between his perception of that individual and my perception? My category of prostitute immediately dehumanized her. [00:09:01]
God's category is not prostitute. That's not the first thing. He sees a human being who's living in such a way that the image, his image is being tarnished and ugly because of what she's doing. He sees a human being, but he sees a human being. And so he loves. And so he keeps the embrace open for her to come and to be part of his life and to develop a new life for herself. [00:09:45]
But with category of prostitute, once I put a person in a category, I tend to treat them according to the category. So I see another person, I see a banker, a very wealthy person. Hmm, respect, no respect. You see what happens. By the way in which we categorize people, we are either nudging them this way or this way. [00:10:17]
And we have to cultivate God's perspective in these situations. The perspective of every person is an image bearer of God and worthy of respect and esteem and honor. Now, they may have to go to jail if they've done things wrong, sure. But we do it in such a way so as not to dehumanize it. And we do it in such a way so that they feel honored and respected by us. [00:10:44]
And so they were locked up each night because that was the nature of things. But then in the daytime, they could go and do things. Well, one of the youngsters did something wrong. One of the teenagers did something wrong. And the penalty was to go out on the sidewalk with a kind of a knife or a blade and scrape gum off the sidewalk. Because as you entered the building, you had to leave your gum outside and they just spit it there and that. So that would be the punishment. [00:11:20]
There was one fellow who was in, when he was on duty, and he found out that this teenager had made this problem, done something wrong, and he says, you know the penalty. He says, yeah, I know I've got to scrape gum off the sidewalk. And he says, yes, that's your penalty. Let's go and do it. and he went out and he scraped gum off the sidewalk with this youngster. A way of showing respect, a way of bonding, a way of saying, I care, I embrace, I'm with you, we're together. Acceptance. [00:11:54]
And Paul starts out by saying we ought not to judge. And then he comes back in Romans 15 .1, we ought not to judge but to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Now, verse 5 of Romans 15. So it's in this context where there's the problem of schism, conflict. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. So our unity and the glory of God are attached. [00:14:14]
But how does this unity happen? Verse 7. Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God. Here's the question. What does it mean that Christ accepted you? Think about your salvation experience. Think about your life as a Christian. What does it mean that Christ has accepted you and me? [00:14:55]
So He accepted us while we were still rebelling against Him. We were rejecting Him. We were in rebellion. We were moving away from God. And He extends respect and honor and regard, acceptance toward us. So acceptance was not conditioned upon our being kind and gentle and good and open and so on. And that's amazing. That's amazing. [00:16:03]
How long is His acceptance last? Until you sin? Until you repent? Or until you sin again? It's unconditional. And it's forever. And it's part of our guarantee of eternal life with our Lord. It's in spite of who we are. So if we're going to accept others in the way in which Christ accepted us, then we have to accept in these ways unconditionally. [00:16:47]
We have to accept in spite of what they might be doing to us and continue. It's hard. But if everyone were to practice this, would life be better? It seems it would be wonderful. Now, it doesn't mean that people don't do things wrong, and it doesn't mean that we don't say to someone, you know, tell me why this pattern, why this behavior, and try to understand and maybe help them correct it. [00:17:30]
So when the prostitute's on the corner, all right, my friend, as he approaches, says, hello. She sees him coming, and she turns her back. He greets her anyway. I hope you're well tonight. And he keeps moving slowly. Second night, third night, twentieth night, fortieth night, hello. She turns her back. I hope you're feeling well tonight, or I hope it's good for you. It's a good time. And one night, she doesn't turn her back. He says, hello. She says, hello. And he stops. And they talk a bit. He says, I hope your night goes well. Be safe. Safety is a big problem in that profession. [00:18:08]
She doesn't turn her back. They talk a bit. He moves on. Now, in this case, he was a smoker, so he offers her a cigarette. She takes a cigarette, et cetera. Eventually, after a couple of weeks of this, her pimp is usually somewhere. So each time, he takes a bit longer. But you have to be careful because the pimp will beat you badly. So he knows all of this. He's streetwise. But as he takes a little bit longer each night, it's not really interfering with his income, so he's okay with it. But one night, he says, do you really like this lifestyle? [00:19:11]
She says, no, I hate it. I can't speak very loud. I hate it. I'd do anything to get out of this. He says, thank you. I hope it works. I hope it happens. The next night, he says, would you be willing to escape if I could arrange something? And they talk quietly, briefly, moves on. Well, eventually, the whole situation gets set up. [00:19:49]
And so she does the little talk and she gets in. The pimp says, fine, everything's great. Meanwhile, her apartment is being cleaned out. Her child is being taken as well. She tells the child that somebody's going to come for her that's going to babysit that night. and then they find a new place. Now, in the matter of a couple of weeks, she becomes a Christian. But now, you've got a whole new situation here. [00:20:25]
So acceptance, openness, embrace is working. It does work, even in these difficult situations. But now, a whole other set of issues come. She needs a job. She's lost her job. She made a pretty decent income. She's lost her apartment. She needs another apartment. She has... no income. She doesn't have any high school degree. She has to go back to school. Who's going to babysit the child? How is she going to live? Who's going to take care of all of this? [00:20:54]
So when you offer help, when you try to serve, very often it becomes very complicated. But the church now gets involved. And as far as we know to this day, she's still a wonderful church attender. Acceptance, then. Accept one another just as Christ accepted you. [00:21:23]
The primary skill here is seeing everyone as image bearers of God. Not seeing them in their vocation. Not seeing them as to whether they're high status or low status. Russian, American, Zimbabwean, Brazilian. It doesn't matter. Not seeing them in those terms. But saying, here's a human being. How can I extend embrace? How can I extend openness and acceptance so that they're more, and to do it in such a way that they're more inclined to see Jesus and to honor Him, to receive Him, to receive Him? Openness and acceptance. [00:21:45]
Understanding requires that you learn about people, from people, and with people. Important learning, significant learning is not going to happen unless there's a strong trust between the two people. You do not share information with people you don't trust. In the context of trust, you begin to speak about who you are and what's important. You're not going to trust until you feel that people respect you, esteem you, hold you in honor, hold you with some regard and some sense of value. [00:24:11]
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