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TheDiscipleMD

Many years ago I read a series entitled, “Focus on Faith”, that was published each Monday on the Forum page of the USA Today.  In it, a guest commentary writer named Jonathan Merritt,  wrote an article called, “An Evangelical Plea: “Love the Sinner.” The next day a reader wrote:

“It is not enough as commentary writer Jonathan Merritt suggests… If the true Christ message of love is to be followed, evangelicals must also realize that it is impossible to love someone who is held in low esteem. Christ was friend to sinners, as Merritt points out, but not because he knew how to, “hate the sin, but love the sinner.” I suspect it was because Christ didn’t think of anyone as a sinner, in his deeds or in his heart”. (USA today, April 23, 2009).

I was amazed at the response of the reader.  It is now very typical of our culture to be not only tolerant, but also accepting of any, and all behavior. It is clear from the teachings of Jesus Christ that he thought of some people as “sinners.”

“And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance”. (Mark 2: 15-17).

It is clear that Jesus associated with those that he considered, “sinners.” He ministered to them and blessed them. He forgave them, uplifted them, gave them hope, compassion, and charity. He was a true friend to all. This, however, should not be mistaken for an “acceptance” of sinful practices. Jesus Christ taught the gospel and preached “repentance” to the people. Too often, over the years, I hear this same refrain: “Christ would accept anyone.”  While that is true, the mistake is when people try to then add to this, that He also would accept their behavior. The most powerful example of loving the sinner but not the sin was when the woman found in adultery was brought before him.

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” Clearly, the Savior recognized the woman had “sinned.” He indicated so by saying, “Go, and sin no more.”

Let us follow the Savior by being loving and kind to all, no matter the life they have lived. But the message of Jesus Christ was that all were sinners and that we all needed saving.  So, let us never forget that the mission of the Jesus Christ was to save us from our sins. But if, like some would have us believe,  there is no sin, then there is no need of a Savior!