Friend of Sinners

Do you hang with the same crowd all the time? Know anybody who really isn’t connected to God like you? How do you handle that?

“Jesus friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours.” From Casting Crowns song “Jesus Friend of Sinners”

Perspective

If you are anything like me, you enjoy listening to music. I like all kinds of music, especially songs with messages that provoke me. This is why I listen primarily to Contemporary Christian music. Many great songs and lyrics remind me how to navigate life. I often think of it as the singing bible, although I am sure it is not. I find music easier to remember than I do bible verses.

Today, as I was going through some devotions, the idea of how Jesus was interacting with sinful people and the way He treated them was the topic. The song by Casting Crowns was offered as another view into it. That song really is an in-your-face song because it speaks to so many of us. How?

For many of us on the Christian Walk, we can easily make the mistake that we have this thing figured out. We have an apparent view. I know many people raised in a particular Christian perspective who have firm opinions. They are so strong that they believe they know exactly how this works. For me, I feel sorry for them. To me, they are like those holier-than-thou people who lived in the time of Jesus. It seemed to me that Jesus was trying to help those people understand that they didn’t understand. Unfortunately for them, and for some of those that I do know, they never got humbled. They stuck with what they thought, and that thought was not correct. Those people I know get so worked up about their beliefs they let it get the best of them. This is where religion gets in the way of faith.

So what about being friends with people who are not God-centered people? For me, I have no issues with that. It is essential to have a diversity of friends. Our world is vast, and the differences matter. Perspectives matter—opportunities to be with people who aren’t centered and try to understand why they aren’t. If you open up and let them say what they have to say, it can bring you a new understanding of your connection.

For me, God is so loving that He accepts us exactly how we are, where we are, and when we are. That when we are is where we are in our faith journey. Each of those are very unique to us. You can’t compare to another. God and you are the ones who understand where you are and when you are. We all suffer from times when we are far away and are comforted when we feel like we are arm in arm. All of that said, who are we to decide how God thinks? Sure, we have some words written by the Bible story authors, but to think you can feel like God seems a little crazy. I’m a little crazy because even though we can’t think like God, I’m suggesting I have this figured out, which, of course, I don’t.

My point is that Jesus, the model that we should all pay attention to, befriended sinners. He didn’t treat them horribly. He loved them and tried to guide them to a different way of living. In His case, He was the model. In our case, parts of us might be good to model, but plenty of our other parts are best left alone!

So what is the role then with our friends who aren’t centered or connected? For me, it is to try just to be me. I’m not here to convert anyone. I’m not here to save anyone. I’m just here to reflect on what I believe lives inside of me, and if that reflection is liked, maybe, just maybe, someone will give it a try. Bring their uniqueness to it and own it as well. If I can do one thing for anyone, it would be to help them focus more on God and less on themselves. I believe so strongly that when you do that, God starts to do His work in you, and who better than He?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, please help those of your creation who believe they are clear about the way to understand how you want them to be. Help them help people find their place with you. Help us all help each other focus more on you and less on us. We are all sinners, Father. You know this, and that is why you sent us Jesus. Please keep us from being so sure that we don’t give you the glory to do what you know is best for all of us. Please help those so dug in deep to release that grip for those who point fingers to lend a hand. Father, thank you for the diversity of friends you give us. Thank you for allowing us to help one another discover you. Our world needs more of us to reflect on you, and in your son’s name, Jesus, I pray that this community grows so that it can illuminate a way for many. Please keep us, our families, and our friends safe. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.