"Political Correct" way is to make a generous donation to a charity that covers their
problem, then go on your way with a clear conscious. But is this the Christian way?
There are many occasions in the Word of God we find the Lord Jesus being accused
of spending time with the sinners, the broken and outcasts. We find in Luke chapter
7 the account of a woman coming to anoint the feet of Jesus while He was in the house
of a Pharisee. Verse 39, "Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, he
spake within himself, saying, This man, if He were a prophet, would have known
who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him: for she is a sinner."
Jesus knew who this woman was, and He responded to the Pharisees thought, and in
verse 48 told the woman, "Thy sins are forgiven." If the Pharisee had had his way,
the woman would have been chased away and not been saved that day.
Lets not kid ourselves, it is the natural mans reaction to think oneself better than another.
If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will admit to feeling the way this Pharisee did
when we have dealings with others. If we are completely honest, pride is the driving
force for this feeling... we are better than the homeless; we are better than the addict;
we are better than gambler... Are we?
In 1 Corinthians chapter 15 we see the Apostle Paul making mention of the persecution
that he made against the Church of God before he was saved. Many lost their lives
because of the relentless attack he lead against Christianity. Verses 9 & 10 say this,
"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because
I persecuted the church of God. BUT by the grace of God, I am what I am: and
His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more
abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
We are what we are because of the Grace of Almighty God...not of ourselves. The
grace of God has set us free, yet in turn we tend to sit in judgement of others less
fortunate than ourselves! 1 John 3:18 tell us, "My little children, let us not love in
word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." If we say we love God and
then talk, walk and act like the world, we are a dishonorable servant of God. Showing
love is not condoning the acts of the recipients, but it is opening a door in which the
love of God can be shown to them.
God brings the broken across our paths on a daily basis, how do we respond to them?
Do they find us harsh and judgemental, or do they experience love, help and acceptance
in their encounter with us? Can they see Christ in our actions? It's easy for others to
spot a hypocrite, is that what is seen in you? Don't fall into the pit of judging, remember,
that, but for the grace of God go you!
Are your actions backed up by your talk? There's a saying which says, "Talk is cheap."
It is so easy to talk, but a lot harder to walk that talk! Jesus walked what He talked. He
was known for associating with sinners and outcasts, He showed them His love and they
responded. Take a moment today to evaluate your talk and walk. If they need realigning,
than do so immediately.
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