One Another Series - Accept One Another

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

This year, in these podcasts, I am focusing upon the “One Another” scriptures found in the New Testament as viewed through the lens of leadership.  

The apostle Paul had a lot to say about the “one another” life.  In our two previous podcasts, we dealt with his instruction to edify one another in Romans 14:19 followed by his warning to stop passing judgment on one another (14:13).  Today we move on to the following chapter where we read in verse 7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

I’d like to share three brief truths for leaders – and all of us – from this scripture.

Firstly, we are commanded to “accept one another.”  What does this mean, and what does it not mean?  To gain some insight, consider the two preceding verses (5-6).  “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I believe that what Paul is saying here is that accepting one another produces a spirit of unity in the body of Christ. “With one mind and one voice...”  A number of years ago I heard the word “unity” described as being “one mind in many bodies.”  When leaders demonstrate an attitude of acceptance – as opposed to judgment which we discussed last time – the level of unity is increased.

That said, what might this instruction to “accept one another” not mean?  It does not mean that leaders turn a blind eye, or ignore, sins of attitude or behavior. We accept the person; we do not accept or condone their sin.

Secondly, we see in this verse our model for acceptance.  “Just as Christ accepted you.”  In our sinful state, He sought us and brought us to Himself.  Paul addressed this in Romans 5:8. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When we come to Christ, He accepts us as we are, AND He loves us enough that He doesn’t leave us in that mess.

Finally, there is the purpose or the outcome of our acceptance of one another. “. ...in order to bring praise to God.” When we accept one another, this brings praise to the One who is worthy! I would suggest this that this praise not only comes from those who are Christ-followers; the world also sees people who love and accept one another, and this reflects well upon His body.  

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.