Been seen with anyone “despicable” lately?

Luke 5:22 – 39

For some of us judging people is never really a temptation for others it is a constant battle to distinguish between right judgment and being judgmental. We see someone that is not like us, either in color, economic status, heritage, or ethnicity and we begin to make judgments about what they are like, where they came from, and their motivation. Are we to care bout these things? The answer is a very clear; yes and no!

Jesus calls Levi (Matthew’s given name) a tax collector to follow him. Tax collectors and sinners seem to always be lumped together in the scripture. They either by vocation or morality have placed themselves outside of relationship with God’s people. They were in this culture considered “despicable” people. For Jesus to go to them angered the religious leaders of the day. These people were sinners, they deserved hell and no leader of any quality would hang out with them.

Let’s bring this up to modern terms. Should good Christians be seen with drug addicts, alcoholics, gang members, lesbians, or homosexuals to name a few? The answer to that is given by the answer to another question, “How good of a Christian are you?” This is why the first question in the article has the answer, “yes and no”. Jesus was questioned about his hanging out with these “people”, His answer is the tell all, “the well have no need of a physician”, “…I call the sinners to repentance.” Should we be seen with “these people”? The short answer is, yes! What we must ask ourselves is what are we doing with these folks? If we are letting them see Jesus in us, loving them, encouraging them that God has a plan for them, however we are also salt and light. We are not to compromise or become like them. Their life choices have bound them to darkness and hopelessness, and in many cases a life without Christ. Can you love them without judging them? Can you hang with them without their life choices changing you? They are in need of a physician. If you can’t then pray for them and when they come into your circles, love them and encourage them. Don’t make judgments about those who are being the physicians, healing the wounds, and binding up the broken hearts of those so deeply rejected.

If you can, take time to hang out with some “despicable” people. They are in need of a physician. They are all part of the harvest the Father wants in heaven. We have been blessed with so much love, grace, and mercy can we share it with others? We are not to become like them but to become like Jesus!