FRIEND OF SINNERS
Matthew 9:10
"Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples."
Jesus did not come to live in a monastery. He was out where the sinners lived. Some people have taken the admonition to "come out from among them and be separate" (II Corinthians 6:17) to mean avoiding being tainted by contact with sinners. But how can I touch the lives of people with the Gospel if I never have any contact with them? If I follow Jesus' example, He was where the people were who needed His love and grace without regard for His reputation. He was called "a friend of sinners" (Matthew 11:19) without fear or shame. So should I. I can be a friend of the ungodly without violating my sanctification or faith. Isolation is not our calling.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The Christian cannot isolate himself from sinners if he wants to minister the love and grace of the Gospel.
[end]
Have a "friendship" day. Love you.
Matthew 9:10
"Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples."
Jesus did not come to live in a monastery. He was out where the sinners lived. Some people have taken the admonition to "come out from among them and be separate" (II Corinthians 6:17) to mean avoiding being tainted by contact with sinners. But how can I touch the lives of people with the Gospel if I never have any contact with them? If I follow Jesus' example, He was where the people were who needed His love and grace without regard for His reputation. He was called "a friend of sinners" (Matthew 11:19) without fear or shame. So should I. I can be a friend of the ungodly without violating my sanctification or faith. Isolation is not our calling.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: The Christian cannot isolate himself from sinners if he wants to minister the love and grace of the Gospel.
[end]
Have a "friendship" day. Love you.
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