Accept One Another

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – (Romans 15:7, NIV)

Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other. This will bring honor to God. – (Romans 15:7, ERV)

So accept one another in the same way the Anointed has accepted you so that God will get the praise He is due. – (Romans 15:7, VOICE)

Last evening, my school held our Open House. One of the most incredible things about both my school and school district is the beautiful diversity represented through our families. There are over 119 different languages spoken by families throughout our district, and last evening, I gained a glimpse of some of the glorious variety of language and life experience. At one point, I had a Ukrainian mom and her son, as well as a family from Afghanistan, from which I teach two of the daughters, interacting together in my classroom. Despite the clear language barrier, we all were eager to meet one another and celebrate the great kids that they have sent to our school. Smiles are universal, and we all exchanged those along with what we could communicate. Throughout the evening, I had families from all over the world, representing many first languages that differ from my own, wander into my classroom to gain a glimpse of their child’s daily experience. This morning, as I ponder the goodness that I was blessed to see, I recognize that what I experienced last evening is but a glimpse of the homecoming that will be experienced in heaven. Every tribe and nation will be represented, as God loves and makes Himself known to all. May we ever celebrate the richness that those around us from other places have to offer, and give God glory for the beauty He created across the globe.

Each tribe and nation,

the Lord’s been made known;

through kindness given,

His heart has been shown.

Each face, a story,

of God’s faithfulness;

hand-crafted glory,

to treat with kindness.

May we celebrate,

the beauty God’s made;

honor each other,

throughout all our days.

Thank You, Lord Jesus,

for diversity;

the beauty displayed,

in variety.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty that You have set in the hearts of people everywhere. Thank You for the gift of diversity, as each nation and culture has a wealth of experience to share. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek to understand. Teach us to slow down and invest time and energy into learning about one another. Show us how to love and care for all who come into our lives in ways that make Your heart tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the glory and goodness found in the hearts of all humanity. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… – Revelation 7:9a