Beloved: Gospel of John

Authentic Acceptance: Pastor Michael Dascoli

January 12, 2020

Please turn in your Bibles to John 13:18-30

What do the letters I.Q. stand for?

What do the letters A.Q. stand for?

“Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me;

and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” John 13:20

A.Q.: Acceptance Quotient

Acceptance: the willingness and ability to receive others and recognize their worth without holding them to some predetermined standard or performance

Question: Who might God want you to extend grace to that doesn’t line up with your expectations?

“Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me.” John 13:20a

Acceptance isn’t about kicking discernment out the window

Acceptance doesn’t mean we deny the fact we’re all sinners

Acceptance doesn’t mean we should all look and act the same

“Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me;

and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” John 13:20

“He who shared my bread has turned against me.”

John 13:18b, ref. Psalm 41:9 (David)

“I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:44-45a

“Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” John 13:21b

“It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

John 13:26

AQ TEST

1: How do you do at accepting people without partiality?

2: How do you do at accepting another’s personal style without criticism?

3: How do you at handling offense without holding a grudge?

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today?

How must you respond?