June 2

The Friend of Sinners

When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. — Luke 7:37 BSB

It’s amazing how true goodness attracts the unfortunate, the troubled, the friendless, the outcast, and the fallen. Wherever Jesus went, these people found Him and gathered around Him. It was because He was the genuine friend of all. They found sympathy in Him. He would listen to their stories. Though He was sinless, He never carried an air of superiority. He was just as gentle with an outcast sinner as He was with the respected Nicodemus. No matter who reached out for help, Jesus was always ready to offer it. One of the most beautiful things ever said about Him was the prophetic statement, "A bruised reed He will not break." Jesus always dealt gently with those who were hurting and broken.

If we want to be useful in the world, we must cultivate these same qualities. There’s a kind of human “holiness” that repels people, but true holiness draws them in. The secret lies in living not to be served but to serve, in being willing to minister to anyone, no matter how lowly. If we stay in this world just to be served, we will be of no use. But if we live to serve others, yearning to help everyone we meet, our lives will have real value. Those who are hungry for love and in need of help will be drawn to us, and God will give us meaningful work.

We also need to learn to be exceedingly gentle when dealing with people in spiritual crises. Many well-meaning individuals, in their eagerness, do harm to those they sincerely want to help. People with wounded hearts often need loving sympathy and strong, kind friendship far more than they need theological instruction.