Acceptance is a crucial concept deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible. This enduring theme is one that resonates throughout the Old and New Testaments. This article will delve into the core subject matter of various Bible verses, focusing on acceptance and how it is consistently conveyed in biblical teachings.
What Does the Bible Say About Acceptance?
The Bible fundamentally underscores the value of acceptance in its multifaceted narratives. From God accepting fallen humanity to believers being exhorted to accept one another, biblical accounts paint a vivid picture of acceptance. One instance is the profound example of God’s love and acceptance towards humanity, regardless of their flaws and shortcomings. This concept forms the bedrock of the individual’s relationship with God, epitomizing the unconditional love He has for mankind. Simultaneously, believers are strongly encouraged to show acceptance towards their fellow humans.
Who Are We Called to Accept According to the Bible?
The Bible has clear directives about the individuals Christians are called to accept. There is a consistent exhortation throughout the Bible for believers to accept one another. This acceptance extends beyond the confines of the faith community to encompass everyone, regardless of race, class, or status. The Bible promotes the idea that all individuals are made in the image of God, and as such, all warrant acceptance and respect. Accepting the other, even those considered as outcasts in society, is highlighted as a significant characteristic of Christian discipleship.
Why Does the Bible Emphasize Acceptance?
The emphasis on acceptance in Bible teachings is primarily anchored on two aspects: reflecting God’s love and fostering unity. As God shows acceptance towards His creations despite their imperfections, believers are called to emulate this divine trait. Acceptance is seen as a practical demonstration of God’s love to mankind. Furthermore, mutual acceptance fosters unity and cohesion among believers. Paul, for instance, highlighted this in his letters, urging Christians to accept one another to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Acceptance is, therefore, a manifestation of love and a catalyst for harmony within the Christian community.
When Are We Encouraged to Show Acceptance in the Bible?
The Bible encourages acceptance at all times, not merely during convenient or comfortable circumstances. It underlines the importance of accepting others in their moments of weakness, failure, and sin – not only in times of triumphs and successes. When Jesus embodied a spirit of acceptance, he often interacted with individuals whom society shunned, indicating that acceptance should not be predicated on societal standards or personal preferences. This overarching theme exhorts Christians to accept others at all times, aiming to personify God’s unending love and grace.
Where Are Lessons on Acceptance Drawn From in the Bible?
Lessons on acceptance are derived from various parts of the Bible. These include the narratives where Jesus extends acceptance to societal outcasts, the epistles where apostles advocate for mutual acceptance amongst believers, and Old Testament accounts of God’s acceptance towards imperfect mankind. For instance, when Jesus befriends and forgives the socially ostracized and sinners, it provided a first-hand lesson on acceptance. Similarly, God’s acceptance of David despite his transgressions underscores the theme of divine acceptance. Thus, Bible readings depict acceptance as a transformative and empowering principle that shapes the believers’ relationships with God and fellow humans.
Below is the full list of bible verses on acceptance (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Acceptance
1 Corinthians 5:11
“11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
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Romans 15:7
“7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”
2 Timothy 4:1-2
“1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
2 John 1:10-11
“10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
Related Themes: Tolerance Fidelity Excommunication Shunning
John 6:37
“37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Perseverance Hopelessness Self-Esteem
Matthew 6:25-32
“25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
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Colossians 3:12-14
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”
Related Themes: Humility Patience Criticism Kindness Patience
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
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Galatians 5:1
“1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
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1 John 1:9
“9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Related Themes: Repentance Forgiveness Bitterness Lust Attitude
Romans 5:8
“8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Related Themes: Love Bitterness Greatness Sacrifice Fidelity
Romans 8:31
“31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
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John 1:12
“12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Matthew 9:11-12
“11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.”
Romans 2:11
“11 For there is no respect of persons with God.”
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Matthew 11:29
“29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Psalm 19:14
“14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
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Romans 10:10
“10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Related Themes: Heart Faith Redemption Salvation
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
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Romans 14:1-4
“1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”
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Genesis 4:7
“7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
Ephesians 1:3-6
“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
Related Themes: Reconciliation Favor Identity
Romans 14:1
“1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.”
Related Themes: Strangers Judging Others Arguing Food Criticism
Matthew 25:40
“40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
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Matthew 5:38-39
“38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
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1 Samuel 16:7
“7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
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Psalm 139:14
“14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
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John 8:1-11
“1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
Related Themes: Adultery Vindictiveness Forgiveness
Colossians 1:19-23
“19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
John 14:6
“6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
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