Acceptance - What is it really?

I recently finished reading the book "Practioners: Voices Within the Emerging Church." It is a collection of essays and dialogues about the church body - now and ahead. It raises interesting questions, suggestions and perspectives on topics such as the arts, prayer, movies/storytelling, social concern and the future of the church. The first chapter deals with how we look at, and relate with others around us. Particularly, those who are not Christ-followers. Matt Gillespie gives his own perspective on the circumstances surrounding the events in Luke 7:36-44 (Jesus annointed by the prostitute @ Simon's house). He makes the proposal that in dealing with others, it all begins with hospitality. He say, "hospitality is the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend. It is not about changing people, but rather about offering them the space of belonging and acceptance." Mr. Gillespie also hits hard on this aspect of Acceptance, by citing a section from the book, "Radical Hospitality," by Father Daniel Homan and Lonni Collins

"Acceptance. Now there's a word loaded with meaning. We tend to confuse it

with tolerance or even approval. But acceptance is about receiving, rather

than judging. The father, who will not visit his son because his son is living

unmarried with a woman, or even another man, might say he doesn't want to

condone his son's choices. We fell for him, but we know it's a cover-up because

we too, have rationalized our avoidance of things and situations we would rather

not have to face. Then we hide the disappointment, cover the anger, and justify

the rejection. We struggle in our best efforts to hold back judgement and just

accept. Acceptance is not about condoning; it is about embracing. When we

accept, we take an open stance to the other person. It is more than pious

tolerationg them. We stand in the same place and appreciate who they are,

right at this moment, and affirm the Sacred in them."

Wow! What an incredible challenge! Jesus created space and allowed the repentant woman to be without judgement, condition or confusion. His actions spoke not only to the woman, but to everyone else who was there. When I walk into my everyday situations involving others, do I take my preconceived notions and judge or tolerate? Or, do I create a space where others can feel welcome and free to be themselves? Where God's love can be experienced not because of what I think or feel, but because of who it is that is at work within me?

Thought for the day: "Hospitality is not something you do - it's someone you become."

- Matt Gillespie