Love. Acceptance. Forgiveness. Pt. 2 - Acceptance

The minimal guarantee we must make is that we will love them—always, under every circumstance, with no exceptions. The second guarantee is that we will accept them totally, without reservation. The third thing we must guarantee people is that no matter how miserably they fail or how blatantly they sin, our unreserved forgiveness is theirs for the asking with no bitter taste left in anybody’s mouth. The story of Judas is in part the story of Jesus’ love and acceptance of him. Did Jesus agree or approve of what Judas was going to do? No. But Jesus did love and accepted him onto his team. God accepts us too even when we aren’t faithful to him. Will we accept his acceptance and will we accept others with the same grace and patience Jesus has toward us? Matthew 10:1-4 NIV 1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Matthew 26:14-15 NIV Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:47-50 NIV Jesus Arrested 47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Romans 15:7 NIV7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. We’ve got to be able to fail and still be loved and accepted.