"Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." -Romans 15:7 (NASB)
In a recent episode of "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood" that I watched with my daughter, the lesson was that we are all different and we are all the same. The show was promoting the acceptance of each other regardless of physical differences, because we also have many similarities. When thinking about spreading God's message to others and then functioning with other believers as the body of Christ, we could be well served to remember this lesson of acceptance!
We are all the same because we are all sinners. A sin is a sin. All sin causes us to be separated from the purity and perfection of God. We are also the same because due to our sinful nature we are all in need of God's forgiveness and redemption through the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. To best serve God and spread His salvation message, we need to remember that we are sinners.
Yet, we are different if we have heard the Good News of salvation and have accepted the invitation. Accepting Jesus and being forgiven of sin does not make us better than others, but it makes us different. Once Jesus has entered our hearts, our lives should show the effects of His love and forgiveness. We are still sinners, but we should work hard to live a better life for God.
Sharing God's message requires us to admit that we are sinners. Our story of forgiveness through Jesus should allow us to accept others, no matter where they are in their journey, in order to show them how Jesus loves them, forgives them, and offers a better life for all.
Don't let differences drive others away. Focus on our "sameness" and sharing God's plan of salvation so that more can be saved in His name and for His glory.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for redeeming me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to remember that I am different because of You, not because of anything that I have done. Allow me to lovingly spread Your salvation to others that are longing to hear Your words and experience Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
We are all the same because we are all sinners. A sin is a sin. All sin causes us to be separated from the purity and perfection of God. We are also the same because due to our sinful nature we are all in need of God's forgiveness and redemption through the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. To best serve God and spread His salvation message, we need to remember that we are sinners.
Yet, we are different if we have heard the Good News of salvation and have accepted the invitation. Accepting Jesus and being forgiven of sin does not make us better than others, but it makes us different. Once Jesus has entered our hearts, our lives should show the effects of His love and forgiveness. We are still sinners, but we should work hard to live a better life for God.
Sharing God's message requires us to admit that we are sinners. Our story of forgiveness through Jesus should allow us to accept others, no matter where they are in their journey, in order to show them how Jesus loves them, forgives them, and offers a better life for all.
Don't let differences drive others away. Focus on our "sameness" and sharing God's plan of salvation so that more can be saved in His name and for His glory.
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for redeeming me through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to remember that I am different because of You, not because of anything that I have done. Allow me to lovingly spread Your salvation to others that are longing to hear Your words and experience Your love. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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