Unconditional Acceptance, Conditional ApprovalSample

Accepted and Approved

Most of us have grown up in a culture that has taught us that acceptance and approval are synonymous. We are only accepted if we behave in an approved manner. Therefore, we tend to reject others who do not behave in the same way as we do.

Scripture makes a clear distinction between acceptance and approval. It makes a harmonious and important distinction. God freely gives us acceptance, even when we don’t deserve it. When we choose to follow Christ and confess our desire to do so, He receives us as His children. We are accepted, and the Holy Spirit testifies to us of this wonderful change. Approval, on the other hand, is something God gives based on the decisions we make. Our actions will either lead us to have or not have God’s approval, even though we are His children.

Jesus fully accepted the woman caught in adultery. He didn’t reject her at all. But He also didn’t approve of her adultery. He told her, “Go and sin no more.” Why? As Jesus told the man He healed: “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”

Like any good parent, God can disapprove of what we do. He will reward what is best for us. His calling and guidance always lead us to choose what is good, virtuous, and pleasing to Him. The way to conduct ourselves according to God’s will is by being “holy,” which means we are set apart for God. This is something we learn through our relationship with God, by reading the Scriptures, and by renewing our thinking to align it with God’s vision.

In our learning and surrendering ourselves to God, we can make mistakes and wrong decisions that lead us to sin. Even then, we are still accepted and loved by God, and He allows us to repent and start anew, thanks to the work that Jesus Christ did on the cross.

Acceptance and approval from the Father are two pillars of His love for us. Nothing can separate us from His unconditional love. Jesus Christ said that He doesn’t cast anyone out, so we have the assurance that we can always approach Him. All the time, God will approve of what brings us life while dissuading us from pursuing what brings destruction. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Thank You, Lord, for I can walk with confidence in your acceptance and love. Please help me to live following Your path.