Weekly Compass: Accept
Accepting Others, Just as They Are
During divisive times, learning to Accept others is critical. Choosing to accept, without judgment or control, can strengthen relationships and build real community.
Welcome to this edition of the Weekly Compass, where we shine a spotlight on a single value and look at how it can guide our everyday decisions and actions. Each installment includes a brief reflection, group discussion prompts, and a practical “take action” step—perfect for families, small groups, or personal study.
Our focus this week is Accept. We use the verb “accept” instead of the noun “acceptance” because it’s important to think of it as actionable. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to acknowledge and honor others—just as they are. In a world where people are often quick to criticize or correct, choosing to accept someone doesn’t mean we agree with them or excuse bad behavior. It means we recognize their humanity and value, even when they see things differently or live in ways we don’t fully understand. Being able to accept others is a powerful, quiet kind of strength. It invites peace, empathy, and connection into spaces where judgment might otherwise take over.
We’ll look at the difference between accepting and agreeing, and how practicing acceptance doesn’t require us to change our beliefs (though it might just change our hearts). Whether it’s a family member who thinks differently, a friend who’s made mistakes, or a stranger who challenges your assumptions, being more accepting can open the door to trust, understanding, and mutual respect. This week is your invitation to pause, listen deeply, and let go of the need to fix or filter others. Being accepted as you are is something everyone deserves.
Key Objectives
Objectives for this discussion:
Define “Accept” as a Core Value: It’s critical to acknowledge and respect the differences of others, rather than trying to change them.
Recognize Accepting vs Agreeing: We don’t need to see eye-to-eye in order to sit side-by-side and work together.
Acceptance Strengthens Empathy, Trust, and Community: Choosing radical acceptance builds bridges, not walls, which is critical for building strong communities and a healthier society.
Practice Nonjudgmental Behavior: We must learn to accept other because of their differences, not in spite of them. Our differences make us unique and special.
Why These Objectives Matter
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is… nothing. Especially when we’re watching someone make a choice we wouldn’t make, or holding a belief we don’t share. But that’s where the value of accept comes in. When we choose to accept someone, we’re not signing off on everything they think or do. We’re simply saying, “You still matter. You still belong.” It’s not about approval; it’s about respect. And let’s be honest: if you had to be 100% agreeable to be accepted, you’d probably be sitting alone at lunch, too.
By practicing acceptance in everyday life, we help build empathy, trust, and stronger communities. Whether it’s giving a sibling space to cool down or listening to a coworker with a very different opinion, it’s important to remember the little stuff: not rolling our eyes, not muting people mid-sentence (literally or metaphorically), and not jumping to judgment. When we choose to accept rather than argue, we open the door for real connection—and maybe even a little personal growth on both sides.
Opening Reflection
Paragraph 1:
Accepting others means we choose to see them as whole, worthy people—even when they think, act, or look different from us. It’s not always easy. Sometimes we just want to shake our heads and say, “Why would they do that? How can I make them stop?” But when we learn to accept, we shift from trying to change others to trying to understand them. And that simple shift can completely change our relationships. Acceptance is how we create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, and where we feel safe to be ourselves, too.
Paragraph 2 (Option 1; Child-Friendly):
Imagine a classmate who wears clothes that look really different from what you’re used to, or who eats food you’ve never seen before. You don’t have to love their outfits or want to trade lunches. You can still be kind, ask questions, and play together at recess. Accepting someone doesn’t mean copying them or agreeing with everything they do. It just means you’re saying, “You belong here, too.”
Paragraph 2 (Option 2; Adult-Oriented):
Think about a coworker who shares a political opinion you completely disagree with. Your first instinct might be to shut down or distance yourself. But what if, instead, you listened with curiosity and responded with respect? You don’t have to agree, but by choosing acceptance, you maintain connection. You might even open the door to understanding. That’s how empathy grows and communities stay strong, even when our differences are real.
Discussion Questions
Brief Introduction to Read Aloud:
When we accept people, it doesn’t mean we have to agree with everyone. It means we make space for others to be themselves, even when they think, look, or act differently than we do. In this next part of our conversation, we’ll think about how it feels to be accepted, why it’s sometimes hard to accept others, and what it really looks like to practice acceptance in our homes, schools, and communities. Let’s spend some time talking about what happens when we stop trying to change people and start learning from them instead.
Younger Children
Q1: What does it mean to accept someone, even if they’re different from you?
Q2: How does it feel to be left out for being different?
Q3: What’s one kind thing you can do to show someone you accept them?
Teens/College Students
Q1: How do we balance accepting others with standing up for what we believe?
Q2: Describe a time someone accepted you even though they didn’t completely agree with you.
Q3: What’s the difference between tolerance and genuine acceptance?
Adults/General Audience
Q1: In what ways do we unintentionally withhold acceptance in our relationships?
Q2: How can acceptance help reduce judgment, stress, or resentment in daily life?
Q3: Where’s the line between accepting others and enabling harmful behavior?
Take Action!
Introduction to the Challenge:
We’ve spent some time talking about what it means to accept others, but now it’s time to put it into practice. Acceptance is more than a mindset; it’s something we do. When we choose not to control or judge others, but instead allow them the space to be fully themselves, we create stronger relationships and healthier communities. This week’s challenge is a chance to catch ourselves in the act of reacting, and then choose something better.
Weekly Challenge (Child-Oriented):
This week, if someone says or does something you don’t like, try not to correct or argue right away. Instead of getting mad or thinking badly of them, take a breath and think, “They’re different, and that’s okay.” Then, just do something kind—like smiling, listening, or helping with a small task. At the end of the week, talk with a grown-up about how it felt.
Weekly Challenge (Adult-Oriented):
Pay attention to moments when you feel tempted to criticize, correct, or shut someone down (especially in conversation). Instead of reacting negatively, take a deep breath and pause. Practice accepting the person as they are, even if you disagree. Offer a kind gesture or response that says, “You still matter.” Then reflect: How did you feel after the interaction? How would you have felt if you had reacted negatively instead?
Closing Thoughts
“I don’t have to agree with you to accept and honor you.”
– Brandon Jubar
This quote reminds us that acceptance is not surrender. It’s not agreement. And it’s certainly not approval of harmful behavior. Acceptance is something more generous, more courageous. To accept someone is the decision to honor their humanity even when we don’t see eye-to-eye.
Accepting others isn’t about lowering our standards, it’s about raising our awareness. It means recognizing the line between influence and control, between curiosity and judgment. When we choose acceptance, we’re not saying, “You’re right.” We’re saying, “You still matter.” And that simple shift has the power to disarm defensiveness, build bridges, and help people feel seen.
So this week, let’s lean into that kind of respect. Offer it freely. Let it challenge your assumptions and soften your edges. And just notice what happens when people—your family, your coworkers, strangers at the store—feel safe to be themselves. Sometimes, the best way to create change is to simply stop resisting who someone else already is.