Acceptance vs. approval.

Series: Asking for a Friend | Week 4: Messy Grace

Matthew 5:46
If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.

Romans 12:18
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

There is a difference between acceptance and approval. We are called to accept a person no matter what, but we don’t have to approve of their life decisions. Acceptance means to love people no matter who they are, where they are, or what they’ve done—it means to love people no matter what.

Tough conversations with people might be necessary, but they are best held in the context of trust, love, and authentic relationship.

Turn to God for help in daily understanding the difference between acceptance and approval. Ask him for wisdom is seeing that loving people and accepting them is not the same as approving of their choices.

Asking for a Friend