My Father Sings Loudly Over Me - Does Yours?

Acceptance: Receiving others willingly and unconditionally (even when their behavior has been imperfect) and loving them in spite of any differences that may exist between you. (Romans 15:7

(Please read the definition of Acceptance - above - again.)

As I sit here writing this 52 WKP on Acceptance, I can think of a clear example that has stuck with me and spoke acceptance to me personally. My husband always brings me coffee in the mornings! He has for the last 35 years of our marriage...every day! One morning in particular he brought me my coffee, “as usual”, but this time was not “usual.” We had a huge argument the night before, and we went to bed really angry at each other. So, I was kind of shocked that he brought me my morning coffee! I looked at my husband and asked, “Why are you bringing me my coffee?” He answered, “I may be angry with you, but I still love you!” BAM! Acceptance!

Each of us needs to know that we are still loved and have value even when we don’t do it all right. That cup of coffee (or a cup of cold water-Matthew 10:42) given even when differences are obvious or after a “failure” occurred helped communicate value, acceptance, and love.

Jesus - The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Acceptance)

Acceptance is one of my top needs. During my growing up years, I had a lot of rejection and went without many needs met, so I began to wonder, “What is wrong with me?” But….God, He filled my need and made it clear that He accepted me for me...end of story or maybe I should say “beginning of a new story”!

Has He done this for you? Do you know how completely accepted you are by our Heavenly Father? Maybe, as I did, you grew up feeling unaccepted or unacceptable. God tells us He rejoices and sings over us! What??? The Father of the universe sings...over me???

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

The first time I remember reading this verse I was completely humbled! God accepts me! He accepts you, my friend, so much so that He rejoices over you! That’s pure Father’s love on display!

Take a moment to listen to Him as He sings over you, his son/daughter, won’t you?

His Word - A lamp and a Light

Let’s do: Let’s do:1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

This verse speaks acceptance. This is a very familiar passage, but read it slowly adding your name and your spouse’s name (or family/friend’s). I will insert my and my husband’s names, as an example.

Linda, love Rob patiently and kindly, do not envy or boast or be arrogant and rude to him. Do not insist on your own way. You should not be irritable or resentful towards him. Love does not rejoice at Rob’s wrongdoing but rejoices in truth. Bear, believe, hope and endure all things in your marriage, Linda, because Rob needs to be loved.

Do you think if you lived this out with your wife/husband, friend, or family member, you would meet his/her need for acceptance? Give it a try!

You And I Are “The Light of the World” - Jesus Said So

Would you write your own version of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 with someone specific in mind? Then pray for them and treat him/her in this way for the next month? Note changes in your behavior as well as in his/hers. Does he/she feel accepted by you? Maybe begin the month with a conversation asking, “How can I help you feel fully accepted by me?”

Positive changes in your relationships happen when you are intentional. We can’t wish change into existence without putting in the effort and hard work. Would you expect your employer to promote you just by wishing really hard it will happen? Of course not! You would only have a chance at promotion if you showed effort, diligence and hard work!

Why do we often think others should just “know” what we need from them? They can’t, friends! This doesn’t mean they don’t care about our feelings; it simply means they can’t read our thoughts. Always remember that God wants you and your spouse (friend) to clearly communicate that you are FOR one another! Always. Communicating acceptance is key!

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