Accept One Another
Romans 15:1-7
Rick Thompson

Accepting one another is essential to community. What does it mean to accept one another according to Scripture? The question is how are we to accept others who don’t think the way we do, and who don’t see life in the same way?

How lack of acceptance diminishes our fellowship…

In the churches in Corinth and Rome, we have examples of the same kind of issues that arise in the church in every generation – some people become Christians and move straight to religion.

1. When we are focused on our own goodness, we lose sight of His grace

In the Bible, the words “weak conscience” do not mean someone without conscience, but instead means a person whose conscience is not deeply oriented to God’s grace.

2. When we reject His grace, we reject others who are not like us

One of the most subtle and powerful ways we reject others is to demand that they be like us.

3. Accepting one another in fellowship does not mean accepting his or her wrong beliefs.

To accept others means literally to come along beside them.

4. Accepting one another in this way strengthens fellowship without compromising doctrine

It is possible to be right about our doctrine, and yet to be wrong in the way we promote it.

How this works on a practical level…

1. Learn all you can about others

If you really listen to others, you’ll learn - even if there are things that are wrong about what they believe.

2. Make space for others

We are to endure as Christ endured.

3. Build others up

To love others means to build them up, not tear them down.

4. Forgive one another

We are to forgive and accept others in the exact way that Christ loved and accepted us on the cross.