04/05/2024
Long post…..
When did the definition of love become acceptance? When did that happen? I know when we love someone we are accepting everything about them but that also means that we are willing to change for each other. I love my husband with every thing that I am and I accept that one of his favorite hobbies is gold panning. Do I love it? Nope. I accept it because he loves it. Does he want me with him? Yup but he accepts that it’s not my thing. Love and acceptance aren’t synonymous. A parent loves their children but find certain behaviors and actions unacceptable. That doesn’t mean they love the child any less when the behavior or actions are unacceptable. The love that parent has in that moment helps the child, whether they know it or not, to change for the better. That’s what love is supposed to do. Help us change for the better. Acceptance does not. Acceptance means that we would like you to change but know you will not.
As I’ve been scrolling through social media I’ve noticed several things. First, some people have way too much time on their hands. And second that Christians and non Christians don’t really understand why Jesus choose to come to the earth. They use His love as a way to have others accept their beliefs, behaviors, and actions. And that’s not what He did. Yes, He did love people where they were at. Yes, He hung out with the lowest of the low. But He did not say stay the same. He didn’t tell the woman caught in adultery, “ where are your condemers? Go keep being you. “ He said “ Go and sin no more. “ People who spent time with Jesus were changed. They wanted to do better, be better because of the love they knew Jesus had for them. It was unconditional. When you really experience the love God the Father has for you, you want to change. And the best part is you don’t have to do it alone. He helps. I’m not going to lie and say it’s easy. It’s not. Sometimes it’s the hardest thing you have to do. But it’s so worth it. Please hear me. God loves you and accepts who you are no matter what. He loves you enough to accept you as you are. You don’t have to fix you to go to the Father. He wants to help. And you might even be surprised to find that the thing you hate or dislike about yourself is the thing he loves the most about you.
I know it doesn’t seem to flow or maybe it does. I’m not sure. I’m tired but this would not let me sleep. So I’ll ask again. When did the definition of love mean acceptance no matter what? No matter if we get hurt. No matter if it hurts others. When did that happen?
