Acceptance

I've been reading "Better Together" by Rick Warren, and here are some of the writings that seemed pretty appropriate this week:

Jesus loves us even at our worst, demonstrating "his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). He accepts us among his beloved children (Eph. 1:6) despite our messy lives, impure motives, and irritating attitudes...

...But our acceptance of others should also include nonbelievers, knowing that, while they're still sinners, Christ died for them. "it isn't our job to judge outsiders" (1 Cor. 5:12). This doesn't mean we condone sin; yet so much of our rejection of those outside the church is based upon fear and our prejudice that people need to be like us before they can be with us.

...No matter what you've done, Jesus won't reject you. Good behavior has never been a prerequisite for friendship with Jesus. He loves and accepts people, regardless of what they've done. He is far more interested in changing us than he is in condemning us.