In the times of Jesus, those focused on religiosity looked down on the fact that Jesus was a “friend of sinners”, implying that in His kindness and compassion he was complicit in their sin.
When religion is our focus, these are easy judgments to jump to. We allow legalism to become our righteousness.
Psalm 1:1 tells us not to conjoin with sinners, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;”. So how do we reconcile this with Jesus, friend of sinners.
I encourage us all to remember Romans 3:22b-24, “For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
I can not stand with self-righteous judgment when I remember that I too am a sinner, and yet, Jesus saw fit to draw me near to himself.
I am getting ready to go to a country that ostracizes the very people I have been called to. I will be doing my very best to build relationship with these people so that they will believe me when I tell them the gospel is the only way.
Lord strip me of any self-righteousness! Fill me with your unending, unfailing, unconditional love for your children! Give me favor with all peoples, that your word is the only thing that they hear or see.
Jesus, keep me from walking in the counsel of the wicked and let me walk by the side of your son or daughter. Keep me from standing in the way of sinners and help me stand for you without apology. Keep me from sitting in the seat of scoffers and help me portray your love and redemption to those who are outcast.