TSMSS - Friend of Sinners

In the midst of all the controversy tha's been swirling in the news this week, I've been thinking about the New Testament church, Paul's many letters in the New Testament, and of course, the days that Jesus walked on earth.

I think the Bible is clear about marriage and relationships between genders.

I think the Bible is also clear about a few other things as well.

Paul was more concerned about the believers in Corinth who were living immoral lives than with non-believers who were--well, acting like non-believers!

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. . . .12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. . . (I Corinthians 5:9-10, 12,)

Then there are some very familiar words of Jesus.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18)

And why do we as believers get so perturbed and even outraged when we are attacked for our beliefs?

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (I Peter 4:12-15)

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Although I understand and have certainly felt some of the same emotions, I'm weary of believers responding to criticism and ridicule with anger and debates. How many times did folks endeavor to engage Jesus in debates of hot topics and he didn't take the bait? Or He surprised them by offering grace and compassion to the "sinner" they were ready to stone or dispel? Or He simply slipped away and avoided the confrontation?

I thought this post hit the nail on the head. Lots to ponder.

I absolutely love this song. I've shared it before but it seems particularly timely this week.

Jesus, friend of sinners,
The one whose writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away
And the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember
We are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy
Bring Your people to their knees
No one knows what we're for
Only what we're against
When we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs,
Crossed over the lines
And loved like You did

Be sure to visit Amy's for more songs!

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