Jesus, the Son of God, loved prostitutes? Prostitutes!? The people that sold the body that God gave them? The same prostitutes that "religious" people would have nothing to do with , and still won't! (Luke 7:36-50)
Can you imagine living in bible times and watching Jesus help a blind man see? Can you then imagine seeing him walk over and spend time with prostitutes, thieves, and drunks? The average person in those towns wouldn't spend time or even associate with the group of so called sinners. Why would the only person who has ever lived without sin choose to spend time with people who society had downgraded? Jesus could have easily given up on everyone, including myself!
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
Non-Christians don't feel comfortable in churches because they feel they are looked down upon. Whether consciously or subconsciously, it probably happens. As Christians, we have forgotten the purpose that rests upon us. "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
If there has ever been anyone who was qualified enough to look down upon people, its Jesus. As Christians today, we automatically judge someone if they walk into church with their hair a mess. After seeing their hair we've already made up our minds that they have been drug dealers their entire life. If they walk into church wearing a plain white tee and cut up jeans, they've probably committed murder. If they walk into church with a mullet, then we're positive they are on America's Most Wanted list. Even if all this was true, Jesus would have made it a point to approach them. He would have wanted to show them the hope that he provided! Why can't we show them?
If we have a facebook friend who consistently uses bad language on their statuses, we delete them as our friend. Why don't we keep them in hope they will someday notice a bible verse that we have posted? We refuse to love a family member who can't beat their battle with drugs? We tell children to stay away from the 16 year old girl that's pregnant? She'll be starting a family soon, if anyone needs hope it's her!
We cannot expect for people to understand God's love if we won't associate with them because of their actions. We've all done stuff we are not proud of, yet we still judge others. Jesus continued to respect others regardless of the things they did. Why not do what He did? He's obviously a pretty smart guy!
