There seems to be some confusion as to what acceptance means. Acceptance means accepting the reality of the situation or a person and acknowledging it is so. It does not mean condoning the situation or behavior of a person. Example – I accept that you gamble, but I don’t have to condone your gambling. I recently heard someone say that someone didn’t accept them because of their (immoral) behavior, so they were offended. They were accepted, welcomed, and loved, but their unhealthy behavior wasn’t, and because of that, they were offended. Setting healthy boundaries is for ourselves, not others, although others will often benefit. Example – You are welcome in my home but not to gamble in my house. In no way is that mean or unreasonable. The offended are better off not forcing or imposing unacceptable behavior on others.
“I won’t like you if you won’t approve of what I do.”
Sheri Lea