CoJourners: Learning to Share Your FaithSampel

Bad Company

The most common criticism of Jesus was also the truth. He was a “friend of sinners.” After all, they were the ones he came to save. Rather than withdrawing from those with immoral lifestyles, Jesus spent time with them. He loved them, dined with them, talked with them, and drew them to God. He was their friend. He knew they were spiritually needy causing them to be more open.

But Jesus loved them without compromise. He was rightly accused of being a friend of sinners, but never of being one himself. He associated with wrong-doers, but did not participate in their wrong-doing.

Don’t confuse bad behavior with spiritual disinterest. You cannot discover where a person is spiritually by mere observation. You have to enter into a conversation and explore lives. So, can anyone accuse you of keeping bad company?

Thought: At times, being like Christ involves being a friend to those least like Christ. 

Take a Step: Consider the people around you. Whose lifestyle makes you uncomfortable? Take a step to get to know them. Use questions to explore their spiritual background and experiences, and to determine their spiritual openness.