Twentieth-century theologian Paul Tillich penned an essay titled “You are Accepted.” Those three life-altering words are in the context of our relationship with God and essential to our spiritual experience and awareness.
We tend to run from the presence of God because of our sins, failures, and shortcomings. Instead of the freedom Christ offers, we live in bondage to fear and the preoccupation in our minds of falling short of the glory of God and being ultimately rejected by God.
In Luke seven verse forty-seven, the Pharisees create a scandal when Jesus forgives Mary Magdala. “I tell you, her sins–and they are many–have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only a little love.” The religious leaders needed the teaching of forgiveness and love as much or more than she could not receive it. (When you Feel Unwanted and Unloved)
The words, you are accepted, should ring loud and clear in our ears as followers of Christ. Accept the fact of God’s adoption as sons and daughters despite how much you run and separate yourself from Christ’s love. I need it; you need it, and let that reality “you are accepted” transform your life. You and I are loved by Christ and destined to be heirs of the Kingdom. You are Accepted. (You are my Child)
Scripture:
Romans 5:20 God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
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Paul Tillich,”The Shaking of the Foundations” published by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1948.
(With over 500 reviews on Amazon, “In the Presence of Jesus” is an excellent devotional for a group study.)
