And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. Luke 9:11 (KJV) emphasis mine

Have you ever wanted someone to just receive you, and not reject you? I have. Years ago, I went through a painful divorce, and all I longed for was for someone to really accept me. The only one I had was Jesus, and I found out that He was enough. He not only received me, but He also spoke His Word to me and healed my broken heart.

We all have been through rejection, misunderstandings, and hurts. We’ve felt unaccepted. We can even feel alone and isolated in church. We must purposely receive and accept one another. We all want people to understand us, but how much effort do we put into understanding and reaching out to others?

In John 6:37 (KJV), Jesus said:

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

When we decide to accept Jesus, He receives and accepts us- and His acceptance is complete and without reservation. Once we know we are accepted of Jesus just as we are, then we can receive and accept others.

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)

The beloved in this verse is Jesus. We are accepted in Jesus.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (KJV)

We are to receive one another just as Jesus has received us. How does He accept us? With love, of course! His acceptance is unconditional; no strings attached. He received us not based on what we can do for Him or give Him. Let’s face it, anything we have to give pales in comparison to what he has given us. He simply accepted us because He loves us. He received us as we are, not for what we can do. And He wants us to do the same for ourselves and others.

• Accept Jesus.

• Accept yourself.

• Accept others.

He has accepted you. God wants you to rest and rejoice in your acceptance, and then extend that same acceptance and love to the people around you. The key is to accept your acceptance, and reject any rejection. Just remember that you are received and accepted by the One who really counts.