Acceptance & Boundary Setting ~ Romans 15:7 ~ NLT vs. KJV

When we are facing an internal conflict on how to handle situations with others, I always recommend consulting scripture for God’s wise counsel. Because He is perfect, His wisdom is solid, sound, and just. His governance, laws, and righteous judgment have no errors. 

Let’s compare the NLT and KJV versions of Romans 15:7 and discuss how, once again, the KJV proves to be the more accurate translation:

NLT —> “Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”

KJV —> “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

A quick google search on the difference between accept and receive: 

“Accept” means voluntarily agreeing to take, receive, or approve something (an active choice), while “receive” simply means getting or coming into possession of something (a passive action). You might receive a package (it arrives) but choose not to accept it (refuse delivery).

It is Christianly to receive everyone. We can still do this without actually accepting their wicked ways or behaviors. In the end, God will also receive all of us, but it is written, He will not accept everyone into His Kingdom.

Both verses mention “glorifying God” with our actions, but only the KJV verse does this. While we are to receive our neighbor, it serves no good to accept his sinful nature. It does not glorify God to allow or entertain bad behaviors and poor choices of a brother or sister in Christ. We should either use scripture to lovingly edify (instruct) the person, or we should stop at receiving. We also never seek to please man, rather please God, so the KJV translation makes more sense. 

We can absolutely receive everyone; into our presence, our churches, and to our table. However scripture supports setting a strong boundary on acceptance, despite popular opinion…

Can you imagine accepting everyone as the NLT suggests? No one wants to hear this right now in today’s politically torn America, but the KJV confirms boundary setting as Christianly. Take that as you will. If you are okay with no big boundaries, then be okay with no little ones. Accept your enemies, your abusers, your childhood monsters, and all those who have wronged you. 

Now which translation sits better with you?

(Don’t shoot the messenger, I’m just giving you something to think about…)

So, we do not need to accept everyone according to the Bible, and neither does God. If there are people in your life who are unjust, mistreating you, or living an immoral lifestyle, it is [scripturally valid] to put a boundary there and still be doing things in a Christianly way.

I hope this Bible study will help you to make sound boundary setting choices that are in alignment with God’s word. When we aim to live a godly life in a broken world, scripture always gives us the best advice!

With Love, Michelle