Acceptance (n): the action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group.
In today's world we are bothered by the action of being accepted by our peers, co-workers or just people we encounter in our daily lives. Our desire for acceptance is draining. However, the word acceptance has a bigger impact on our everyday lives than you may think. While you may not be concerned about how you look or how many likes you get on social media- acceptance is more than that. Acceptance is what makes a real impact on our lives, acceptance is what your kids see when you open the door for someone who looks different than you or smile at someone who doesn't speak your language. Skin color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, intelligence, political standing, financial status and much much more are just opportunities to segregate ourselves. Differences are what makes people so awesome, if we were all the same life would be boring and no changes would ever be made. Why is it that we can't just be ourselves? Why does our world feel the need to label everything? Who are we to label something better or more important?
Where I stand it looks like labeling is the easy way out, and even if you are the nicest most welcoming person in the world there will most likely still be some bias when you see something or someone "labeled" differently than you. This isn't a coincidence, some say it's human nature and others disagree; regardless, it is something that we can change. It is important to note that acceptance is not synonymous with approval. You don't have to agree with someone to treat them with respect, in fact, disagreeing and sharing your thoughts on a subject is opportunity for both parties to learn and grow. When will we ever understand that different isn't a bad thing, difference is the starting point of innovation and the face of knowledge.
Jesus accepted us even though we do things He doesn't necessarily approve of and doesn't think twice about it-- so why would we expect for others to change themselves before we accept them? Are we any smarter than Him? Being different isn't a bad thing, it is our job to encourage others, lift them up and accept them for who they are. The beautiful thing is that we don't have to worry about being accepted anymore. You never know what battles someone else is facing, so why not try to make your part in their life meaningful. I challenge you to think of someone you will see today and find a way to make your acceptance known-- a little bit can go a long way and there is always someone watching the way you interact. Opening a door for someone today could lead to a better tomorrow; maybe we won't change the world...but we can try!
"Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory."
-Romans 15:7
