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What Does It Mean to Truly Accept One Another as Christ Accepted Us?

The apostle Paul’s exhortation in Romans 15:7, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God,” calls believers to embody a profound principle of Christian living. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the unity and love required within the body of Christ, transcending cultural, social, and personal differences. Rooted in the preceding theological discourse of Romans, this command reflects a high calling to live in harmony and humility, grounded in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

The Context of Romans 15:7

Paul’s instruction in Romans 15:7 cannot be fully appreciated without examining its surrounding context. In the preceding chapters, Paul addresses the relationship between Jewish and Gentile Christians, a pressing issue in the early church. The Jewish Christians, with their adherence to the Mosaic Law, often clashed with Gentile Christians, who were not bound by such traditions. Paul highlights the need for unity, emphasizing that both groups are one in Christ (Romans 10:12). He reinforces this truth with a reminder that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

The immediate context of Romans 15:7 builds on the themes introduced in Romans 14, where Paul discusses the importance of not judging one another over disputable matters, such as dietary laws or observing certain days. Instead, believers are encouraged to prioritize peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:19). Romans 15 opens with a call for the strong to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, echoing the example of Christ, who selflessly served others (Romans 15:1-3). Against this backdrop, the command to accept one another as Christ accepted us takes on profound significance, emphasizing sacrificial love and unity.

The Example of Christ’s Acceptance

Paul explicitly links the command to accept one another with the example of Christ, who accepted us “to the glory of God.” This phrase underscores that Christ’s acceptance of sinners, both Jew and Gentile, was not an end in itself but ultimately brought glory to Jehovah. The life and ministry of Jesus exemplify this acceptance. He ministered to individuals across all social and cultural boundaries, including the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26), the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), and the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). Each instance demonstrates that Christ’s love and acceptance were not limited by human prejudices or divisions.

Christ’s acceptance was also rooted in sacrifice. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His acceptance is not based on merit but on the unmerited grace and love of Jehovah. For believers, this serves as both a model and a motivation. Just as Christ did not discriminate in his acceptance, Christians are called to embrace one another with the same selfless love.

Practical Applications of Romans 15:7

Living out Romans 15:7 requires believers to actively overcome barriers that hinder true acceptance within the body of Christ. These barriers often include cultural differences, personal preferences, and lingering prejudices. Paul’s call challenges Christians to prioritize the unity of the church over individual opinions and traditions.

One practical application is seen in the pursuit of humility. Paul exhorts believers in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Humility enables believers to see others through the lens of Christ’s love, fostering a spirit of acceptance and service.

Another essential application is the practice of forgiveness. Acceptance often requires letting go of past offenses and extending grace to others. Colossians 3:13 reminds us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness reflects the heart of Christ and is a tangible expression of acceptance.

Finally, living out this command involves intentional efforts to build relationships within the church. This includes welcoming newcomers, engaging in meaningful fellowship, and participating in acts of service. By investing in the lives of others, believers reflect the acceptance of Christ and contribute to the unity and growth of the body.

The Role of Scripture in Cultivating Acceptance

Paul’s command to accept one another is deeply connected to the Word of God. Romans 15:4 states, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” The Scriptures serve as the foundation for understanding and living out this principle. They reveal the character of Jehovah, the example of Christ, and the standards for Christian conduct.

Meditating on passages that highlight unity, such as Ephesians 4:1-6, can inspire believers to pursue acceptance. These verses call for humility, gentleness, patience, and love, emphasizing the oneness of the Spirit and the hope shared by all believers. By aligning their hearts and minds with Scripture, Christians are equipped to embrace one another as Christ embraced them.

The Glory of God Through Acceptance

Paul concludes the thought in Romans 15:7 by pointing to the ultimate purpose of acceptance: the glory of God. This aligns with the overarching theme of Romans, which is the demonstration of Jehovah’s righteousness and glory through the gospel. When believers accept one another, they reflect the unity and love of Christ, providing a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus himself highlighted this in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Furthermore, acceptance within the church serves as a foretaste of the unity that will be fully realized in the kingdom of God. Revelation 7:9 paints a picture of a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne, united in worship. The church’s efforts to accept one another now reflect this eternal reality and bring glory to Jehovah.

Conclusion

Romans 15:7 encapsulates a profound truth that transcends cultural and personal barriers. By calling believers to accept one another as Christ accepted them, Paul underscores the importance of unity, humility, and love within the body of Christ. This command is rooted in the redemptive work of Christ and finds its ultimate purpose in glorifying Jehovah. Through the guidance of Scripture and the example of Jesus, believers are equipped to live out this high calling, fostering a church that reflects the heart of God and provides a powerful witness to the world.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).