Accept one another

  Accept one another

The Apostle Paul wrote,

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”Romans 15:7.

Back in the late sixties and early seventies I was part of a movement within the church called “Jesus freaks” essentially the hippy movement of church. The movement brought many young people, teens and such into the church. People within the movement met in small groups in houses generally. 

It was a group that accepted you at face value. If you said you believed in Jesus they believed you. They without probably knowing it at the time lived what Paul was saying in Romans 15:7.

At a time when the traditional church expected you to come to church in your “Sunday best” suits and ties for the gentlemen. Conservative dresses for women. Short hair for the men.  You could come as you are. Tee shirts and jeans, mini skirts, long hair. All that was important was that you came to worship in spirit in truth.

Worship consisted of lively music, in both the folk, rock and traditional genres. Music was made on whatever was available guitars, piano, tamborine  or anything that could make a joyful noise to the Lord. Even dance that at the time was taboo in many churches.

There were sadly, many church congregations that turned their back on us. I think those churches lost a lot by not welcoming us. While those who welcomed us were blessed.

While the church has come a long way since then. There is much that can be learned from what happened back then.

I think it serves as a reminder to churches today that we must embrace those who are “different”, or “out side the norm” for lack of a better description. 

It all comes down to what Jesus said,

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.

Which I believe means meeting people where they are at, showing them the Love of Jesus and teaching them all Jesus has taught us.

Please think about it.