the kind of acceptance you and I want

The following quote is from a friend of Philip Yancey:



"When I'm late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval. I get the clear message that I'm not as responsible as they are. When I'm late to Alcoholics Anonymous, the meeting comes to a halt, and everyone jumps up to hug and welcome me. They realize that my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it. When I show up, it proves that my desperate need for them won out over my desperate need for alcohol."

I always think we in the church can learn a lot about the openness and acceptance shown by those in the recovery community.

How about you?