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.”
–Mark 2:17
If you and I are to stand out as light in the dark places of society, we cannot negotiate with the world’s terms and lifestyles. But at the same time, we mustn’t completely separate ourselves from the world or forget the people who Jesus also cares about: the lost!
We never want to be like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day who thought they achieved purity by segregating themselves. They said, “Stay away from wicked sinners!” And when they really wanted to slander Jesus, they called him a “friend of sinners.” But let me tell you, Jesus wore that label with honor! In fact, he replied, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
So what do your actions say to the spiritually lost people who you encounter? Do they say “Stay away!”? Or do they say, “I’m your friend. May I tell you about Jesus?”?
I urge you to make room in your life for the lost. Invite your lost neighbors into your home. Befriend your lost co-workers. Break out of your comfort zone and share Jesus with those the Lord brings across your path!
May it be said of each us, that we are friends of sinners!
MAKE ROOM IN YOUR LIFE FOR THE LOST… SHARE JESUS
WITH ALL WHOM THE LORD BRINGS ACROSS YOUR PATH!
