“A person who feels your approval has nothing to prove.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 26, 2026
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7
Acceptance sets the tone in a trusting relationship. It ascribes value by making a friend feel special, especially if someone struggles with wounds from past rejection and hurt. Acceptance is an antidote for guilt and regret. It looks to bring meaning in the moment, not dwelling on former failures. It creates a non-judgmental, safe environment. Like a sympathetic nurse, it listens with empathy. Acceptance feels no discrimination or bias.
Foundational for every believer is our acceptance from God, found in Christ. He accepts the rejected. He invites those who wander from the faith to come home. Christ calls His children back from embarrassing situations and embraces them with open arms. His acceptance is unconditionally based on His love and grace. The Lord is looking for those in need of approval. He can’t wait to bless and believe in His own. Jesus accepts back those who have turned their backs on Him. Brennan Manning beautifully captures the imagery of our acceptance in Christ as the model and motivation for our acceptance of others: “Being loved by God, being wanted by Him, being of value to Him, being cherished by Him, this is the meaning of our worth. It is not a worth derived from what we do or how we perform. It is a worth so foundational that nothing can take it away. When we grasp this, we can extend the same acceptance to others. We do not have to earn our place at the Father’s table, and neither do they.”
“To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6, NKJV).
Who is hungry for your approval and acceptance? Is it a child, a parent, a friend, a co-worker, or a fellow Christ-follower who needs to feel your warm words of delight in them? Not being included as a team member is emotional torture. Passive rejection can be worse than blatant rejection. Indeed, an accepting attitude says, “I believe in you,” “I need you,” “I am for you.” You give others the benefit of the doubt. A person who feels your approval has nothing to prove.
Accept others as Jesus has accepted you. Even sinners, you may ask? Yes, you can accept the individual without compromising your integrity. You grow in Christ’s character when others who are unlike you know you like them. You love those who love the world without loving the world. When you serve someone with competing standards, they tend to ask, “Why me?” Lovingly say, “Why not you?” to bring praise to God! I accept you!
“The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them” (Romans 14:3).
Prayer
Lord, grant me the grace to accept others as You have accepted me. Help me see beyond differences, embracing each person with Your love and compassion. May unity in Christ prevail, as we honor and respect one another, reflecting Your boundless grace to the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Identify one person hungry for your approval — child, spouse, colleague, wanderer. Speak specific words: “I believe in you. I’m for you.” Include the overlooked. Accept without compromising truth or integrity.
Related Reading
Psalm 101:3; John 6:27; Acts 15:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: Who You Say I Am
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