Mark 2:15–17 (ESV) —
15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
NOTE: Christianity stands in sharp contrast to Judaism in that all people are accepted … well, to a degree. We are not to judge the unbeliever, but we are to stay away from those who call themselves believers but are living in open sin or engaging in practices that violate God's laws. But "sinners," those who do not confess Christ, we are not to shy away from, in fact quite the opposite, we are to reach out to them in love and friendship. That does not mean we "accept" their behavior. One can befriend a person and still be against the things they represent. We do not show tolerance in our definition of what is sin, but that does not need to be our focus. And we don't engage in their sin either, even if that might seem like a path to getting to know the person. We can eat with and socialize with a person we disagree with on fundamental issues of life. Our goal is to show, by our life transformation, that a life lived for Jesus is better.
PONDER:
- Who are my non-Christian friends?
- Do I avoid "sinners?"
PRAYER: Father, help me to see and reach out to the unsaved. Help me to find activities in which to engage the lost. I want to be a witness of your love.
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