Promises for Those Who Follow JesusChikamu

Jesus Promises Us Acceptance

Our hunger for belonging influences so much of our behavior. From the moment we discover our peer groups in school, we’re driven by a desire to be known, accepted, and loved by others. This desire never really goes away, and it often leads us to adopt the behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes of the people we’re around.

This longing is so ingrained in us that we hardly recognize when we’re conforming to those around us, but if you’ve ever been the parent of a teenager, you’ve seen it firsthand. So many parents notice that when their kids come home from a weekend with their friends; they’re like a different person, and it takes a while for them to go back to being themselves.

What’s heartbreaking about our desire for acceptance isn’t just how we’re tempted to change in order to fit in. It’s that we feel like we need to hide. Have you ever felt like you had to hide your opinions or feelings on a topic in order to feel welcomed? Have you ever thought that if people knew your true struggles and past mistakes, you’d be shunned?

Jesus promises that “whoever comes to me, I will not drive away” (John 6:37). We don’t have to put on airs when we come to Jesus. We don’t have to pretend to be perfect or pious, and we certainly don’t have to hide things. He knows and understands you better than you do, and still welcomes you.

This means the growth and maturity that happens in the Christian life isn’t about trying to fit in with the people around us. It’s about coming to Jesus just as we are and allowing Him to transform us. The amazing thing about experiencing that kind of acceptance is that we learn how to extend it to people around us.