Accept one another

This is the scripture I'm thinking about today:

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

- Romans 15:5-7

Because we are ill, we sometimes behave in ways that are outside the norm. We often try to look and act normally so healthy people don't judge us. At other times, emotions of worry, fear, and even anger can become overwhelming. When we come to the chat room, sometimes we want to vent about things.

So how do we respond when someone is upset or just seems odd? I've found that acceptance and listening is the best way to help. Nearly everyone says at least one odd thing when they're new to the room -- it takes time for newbies to get used to how chat rooms work in general and ours, in particular. So, don't reject someone too quickly -- as the verse above says, God has accepted us and shown us great love and grace, and has given us His peace. So, we need to extend that acceptance and love to others.

When I looked up that Scripture, I was mainly thinking about that acceptance, but I found more (God's like that!). The verse describes God as One who gives us endurance and encouragement in our trials -- another reason to extend that to one another. He can also give us a "spirit of unity" so we can glorify Him with one heart and mind. I pray that He does give us that.


Things have been running smoothly in the room, but I know from experience there are occasions when you might need help from an admin. Perhaps someone is in the room who needs a lot of help and you're not sure what to say or do, or perhaps there is some other problem. To reach an admin, send the wolf sound to the room; one is usually available.