“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7 (ESV)
Do you show the people around you that you value and accept them just the way they are? To be sure, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I criticize and assume others’ intentions? Or do I ask questions?
- Do I use language that values people? Can I separate the behaviour from the person? For example, is a misbehaving boy a bad boy? Or is he a good boy who chose a bad behaviour? To accept does not mean to condone all actions. Confront friends about self- destructive or unethical behaviour. Just do it in love.
- Do I value someone with a different point of view because they help me to see things I wouldn’t otherwise see?
- Do I give those around me physical and emotional space when they need it? Or do I become needy or offended if they pull away when going through something difficult?
- Do I encourage my friends to have other relationships? Or am I jealous when they do?
- Do I allow my relationships to cycle through periods of feeling closer and farther away? If you get offended, you are not showing respect for where they are in life. For example, having your first baby can cause you to grow closer or become more distant from a friend, and that is normal.
In great relationships, people show that they value each other no matter what. Today, how can you show more acceptance?