Unconditional Acceptance, Conditional ApprovalChikamu

Full of Grace

When we have the opportunity to surrender our lives to Christ and decide to follow Him, He welcomes us into His family. We are no longer alone but accepted into God’s family. We are His children.

The first significant change upon surrendering to Christ is that He grants us a new birth. We are born of the Spirit. This happens by His grace (or favor); we did not have to do anything to experience this new birth; we only had to receive it. It is given to us unconditionally. It is not that there is no merit in this grace; it is that the merit comes from Christ. He earned it all for us on the cross.

Grace is unconditional for us because Jesus earned it by becoming a sacrifice for us. In this way, His acceptance of us is unconditional.

Although we are completely accepted, God does not approve of self-destructive behavior. He approves of obedience to His way, which is what is best for us. And He grants His favor, or approval when we make good decisions. This is independent of His acceptance.

When we obey His way and His guidelines, we demonstrate our love and commitment to Him. Additionally, we benefit from the results.

Similarly, we must speak the truth with grace. Accept people for who they are - while approving only those things that are beneficial. When we do this, we show forth the glory of God and His essence. Because that is what God did for us: He accepted us when we were sinners and loved us before we loved Him.

Sometimes the truth is painful. But grace is not about pleasing others or telling people what they want to hear. That is selfish and doesn’t show God’s love. By giving grace to others, we can get close to them, and they can feel and know God through us. We must focus on both what is true and how to communicate the truth in a way that uplifts and benefits, which is not rejected, so that the God of all love can touch the lives of others through us.

Lord, thank You for the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross. Through it, You accepted me as Your child, and Your favor and grace are upon my life. Help me speak Your truth to others with love so they can get to know You and enjoy Your love.

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