Recently in church, we were discussing how church shouldn’t be some kind of social club. We treat church like a club with rules and try to recruit more people to it like it is some kind of holy fraternity. And as members of the church, our main motivation shouldn’t be trying to get more members. Yes, Jesus called us to make disciples. But the definition of a disciple is not someone who goes to church.
As I read through the New Testament, I discovered that sinners loved hanging out with Jesus. If I were to ask sinners today whether they like hanging out with Christians, I’m afraid the answer would be no. We have become a body known for what we are against instead of what we stand for.
Alex Seeley, The Opposite Life
How true is this?? Jesus hung out with sinners all the time and they wanted to be around Him. It wasn’t because He excused their sin either. He loved them but still spoke the truth to them.
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
Romans 2:4 NLT
The King James Version says it is, “the goodness of God” that leads us to repentance. This verse is immediately following verses where Paul calls out people for judging others. He is trying to explain this concept to them. Judgement will not lead anyone to repent. Only the goodness of God can do that.
That is what attracted sinners to Jesus (and still does). It wasn’t that he was just like them. It was that He loved them in spite of where they were. That love caused hearts to change. John 4:1-30 tells the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus didn’t judge her because of her current lifestyle choices. Instead he loved her and told her the truth. In the end, many people in the village believed in Jesus because of that one encounter.
God is wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient with us, yet that is not the example many Christians show. I have been so guilty of this, but thankfully God is changing my heart. I want to be someone that sinners are comfortable around. Not because they feel comfortable in their sin, but because the goodness of God is shining through me and leading them to repentance.
until next time…