Good News: We are Accepted by Grace

Titus 3:7 says, “Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

How are we made righteous? By grace.

God doesn’t wait for us to get our act together. He doesn’t accept us because we’ve improved, cleaned up our lives, or reached some level of perfection. He simply declares, “You are accepted,” when we give our life to Jesus.

It’s not based on performance. Not based on effort. Just grace. And that changes everything.

But here’s where many people get stuck: we confuse acceptance with approval—and they are not the same.

Jesus fully accepts us, but he doesn’t approve of everything we do. And in the same way, we are called to accept others without endorsing every choice they make.

You can love someone deeply without agreeing with them. You can accept someone fully without approving of their lifestyle.

Jesus modeled this perfectly.

In John 8, religious leaders dragged a woman caught in adultery before him, ready to trap him. They threw her down in front of everyone and demanded judgment. But instead of condemning her, Jesus did something unexpected. He looked at the crowd and said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” One by one, they all walked away.

What was Jesus doing?

He was drawing a line between condemnation and compassion.

The first thing Jesus did was defend her dignity. He refused to let her be shamed or dehumanized—no matter what she had done.

And that’s exactly how he treats us.

When we come to Jesus with our failures, he doesn’t say, “I told you so.” He doesn’t pile on guilt. He meets us with grace.

Then, in a quiet, personal moment, Jesus asked her, “Where are your accusers?” “They’re gone,” she said. “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus replied. “Go and sin no more.”

Notice the order.

First, acceptance.

Then, transformation.

Jesus didn’t ignore her sin—but he also didn’t lead with it. He led with grace. And that’s our calling too.

Romans 15:7 reminds us: “Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you.”

In other words, treat people the way Jesus has treated you.

So what does that look like in everyday life? Sometimes, it’s as simple—and as challenging—as listening. Really listening. Not interrupting. Not correcting. Not preparing your response while the other person is still talking. Just listening.

Because here’s the truth: people don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

Why would anyone receive truth from us if they don’t feel valued by us?

Everyone has a story. Everyone carries something we can’t see. And when we take the time to listen, we often begin to understand the “why” behind the behavior.

You don’t have to agree with someone to love them.

So listen.

Love well.

And introduce people to Jesus—the one who accepts us right where we are and loves us too much to leave us there.

You have the chance to do that this Easter Sunday. Bring someone with you. Invite them. Introduce them to the Jesus—the Savior who loves them.

Have an incredible GOOD FRIDAY.

See you Sunday!