September 2023
Jesus had an amazing way of relating with folks who were on the outskirts of society or looked down on by others. He accepted them as they were even though they had life styles or behaviors of which he didn’t approve. In fact, Jesus was known as “a friend of sinners”.
It is a reality that Jesus accepts those whom others would simply try their best to keep away from. The question, then, that hits us in the face is “How can we reject and ignore those whom Jesus loves and accepts?”
Maybe we have the wrong idea about this acceptance business. True, Jesus accepted the prostitutes and adulterers, but he didn’t approve of what they were doing. True, Jesus accepted the tax-collectors and others who took advantage of their own people for financial gain, but he didn’t approve of their dishonesty and cheating. When Jesus is described as “a friend of sinners” this doesn’t mean he puts his stamp of approval on sinfulness and immorality. Acceptance and approval are two different things.
Jesus knew a meaningful relationship has to begin with acceptance. Without acceptance there is no loving concern, just cold judgment. Any kind of helpful relationship between people begins with recognizing and affirming the common bond of humanity between ourselves and others. Jesus willingly and lovingly did that. That really is what the miracle of God becoming human is all about.
If I am going to minister to you, I must meet you where you are. If you are going to minister to me, you must do the same. This is the way Jesus ministered with folks. He didn’t hide from folks or keep away from them. He interacted with them in love.
Jesus demonstrated what acceptance means and what it does. It opens the way to sharing love. Acceptance is really love’s first word. It is the foundation of loving deeds that follow. Jesus shows us the way that works. He shows us a kind of love that can change our lives and the lives of others for good.
What then are we to do? First, let’s receive and give thanks for Jesus’ acceptance and love given graciously to us and then, in his power, show acceptance and love to our fellow sinful brothers and sisters in this world.
Spreading, Serving and Sharing with You,
Pastor Carl