Today is the first day of a New Year, and not too late to make one more New Year's resolution - "To be More Accepting of Others." This resolution alone will make the world a better place, and will also make us personally happier, more contented, and most of all, closer to Jesus. When we are approaching life with the position that "we know it all, we are “always right” and “only our opinion matters," we are alienating those around us. This "better than thou," attitude destroys every kind of relationship, from the most casual acquaintance, to friends, family and yes - even spouses! When we expect someone to: look the way "we" want them to, talk the way "we" want them to talk, or even act the way "we" think they should act, immediately that person builds a wall. It sends out a strong judgmental message. Pretty soon the wall is so high and thick, there’s no communication at all! We need to accept each other’s differences, embrace the qualities that make each of us unique, and above all, love as Jesus loves! All throughout the Bible, God tells us to 'Love . . . love . . . love . . . each other! Resolve this year . . . to "tear down the Walls" that are keeping us from being more like Jesus! Make this year - the year to be more loving, more patient and "more accepting of others!”

“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJV

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV

“No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
I John 4:12 NKJV

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10 NKJV