Today’s Outflow reading was a huge challenge for me.
The authors have me pegged when they write about interacting with people we disagree with. On page 115 that “instead of listening, we take every opportunity to disagree or correct any beliefs and behaviors we find unacceptable”. That is certainly my first reaction, though it isn’t always one I verbalize.
Page 116 goes on to say that “just because we accept somebody doesn’t mean we endorse everything they’ve ever said.” This makes perfect sense to me…but unfortunately that doesn’t mean it is correct.
This is the question to consider: Should we accept people that think, act and speak differently than us without endorsing those thoughts, actions and words? As usual, it all depends on how you define the words acceptance and endorsement. I will tell you that these two words have VERY similar definitions, and I would bet they are virtually identical to most people. Though I found a variety of similar definitions, here are the ones I’ll assume the author had in mind:
- Acceptance: giving a favorable reception.
- Endorsement: giving approval or sanction.
So, let me reword the question: Should we favorably receive people that think, act and speak differently than us without approving those thoughts, actions and words?
Here is a better question: Did Jesus favorably receive people that thought, acted and spoke differently than He did without approving those thoughts, actions or words? If He did it, then we should too…period.
Here is one example I thought of:
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." – John 8:3-11
It seems to me that Jesus’ words served to favorably receive the woman without approving of what she did.
How about you? Do you agree with the authors on their point? Can you think of any other examples to support them or to disagree with them? Is this something you struggle with? Where is the line between acceptance and endorsement, and how do you know you are getting ready to cross it?
I’d love your comments!
