The Gift of Acceptance: Loving Who They Are, Not Who You Want Them to Be
The Gift of Acceptance: Loving Who They Are, Not Who You Want Them to Be
There is a quiet ache many people carry into relationships. It is the hope of being loved, paired with the fear of being truly known. To be known means to be seen. And to be seen means to risk rejection which is hard for all of us, regardless of our age, gender, or status. Yet, acceptance, real acceptance, is one of the greatest gifts love can offer.
This week’s blog will focus on the gift of acceptance. Acceptance is not loving someone for who they could be, your dream version of a person, or even the potential that you see. All of those ideas may be included in your love. But true acceptance means that you love them for who they already are, not who you (are them) want to be.
Long before James and I ever became a couple, we were friends. And even then, something about talking or being around James felt safe. I could talk. Really talk. This made it easy to share everything with James. I shared my disappointments, my hurts, my fears, and yes, even the parts of myself I believed made me unworthy of love. I never had to polish my story or protect my image. James would always listen without judgment. Always.
He never filtered what I shared through a critical lens. Never tried to fix me. Never made me feel small. I believe that kind of acceptance disarms you to allow you to be vulnerable for love to grow. I think love grew between us because we created a space where walls came down naturally. We created a space where honesty was possible and uninhibited. This allowed inner healing to begin without effort or performance.
Day 7: Recommitting to God at the Center
Scripture: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1 (NIV)
Reflection: Strong marriages are built when God is at the center. This year, we want to be intentional about keeping God at the center of our relationship instead of keeping life so busy that God is placed on the sidelines, waiting to be put in the game. Today, we recommit our covenant to God. We choose one another daily, and commit to the work of strengthening our marriages day-after-day. We recommit to protecting the priority of our marriage, with God at the center.
Prayer: God, we place our marriage fully in Your hands. Lead us, strengthen us, and continue writing our love story. Amen.
Intentional Action: Holding hands, reaffirm your commitment to God and to each other out loud.
Day 6: Choosing Love on Purpose
Scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
Reflection: Love isn’t sustained by feelings alone. It’s strengthened by daily, intentional choices, especially when it’s not easy. Consider this, how you treat and honor your spouse is a ministry, first to your spouse, your children, your family, and then, externally. All that you do, should be done in love. Imagine how you could transform your relationship to something enjoyable, loving, peaceful, and growing. When you choose love on purpose, desired relationship characteristics become the fruit of your effort.
Prayer: Lord, help us choose love today. In our words, our actions, and our attitudes. Allow us to glorify you with our marriages. Amen.
Intentional Action: Do one intentional act of love without expecting anything in return.