How can we avoid the Pharisees' attitude towards sinners in our own lives? Setting the Scene “ But the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: ‘This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ ” (Luke 15:2) Jesus’ table fellowship exposed hearts. The Pharisees’ problem was not doctrinal accuracy but a cold disdain that refused to rejoice when lost people were found. What the Pharisees Got Wrong • They measured holiness by distance from sinners instead of nearness to God. • They forgot their own need for mercy (Romans 3:23). • They valued reputation over redemption, image over transformation. • Their lips honored God, but their hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13; cf. Matthew 15:8). Heart Postures That Guard Us • Humility – “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.” (Luke 18:14) • Gratitude for grace – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15) • Compassion – “When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion.” (Matthew 9:36) • Awareness of personal weakness – “Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) Practical Ways to Welcome, Not Grumble • Share real-life tables – Invite unbelievers or struggling believers for meals; conversation breaks down walls. • Listen before you speak – Hear stories, understand wounds. Mercy begins with attentive ears (James 1:19). • Speak truth in love – Combine clarity about sin with warmth about the Savior (John 1:17). • Celebrate every step toward repentance – Throw parties, not pity; mirror the Father who rejoices over one lost sheep (Luke 15:6). • Serve quietly – Meet practical needs without fanfare (Matthew 6:3-4). • Guard your words – Replace murmuring with intercession; pray more than you critique. Scriptures That Keep the Heart Soft • Luke 5:32 — “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” • Romans 2:4 — God’s kindness leads to repentance. • James 2:13 — Mercy triumphs over judgment. • Galatians 6:1-2 — Restore with gentleness and bear one another’s burdens. • Matthew 9:11-13 — “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ ” Living It Out This Week • Begin each day recalling the grace God showed you. • Ask the Spirit to spotlight any trace of superiority; confess it immediately. • Choose one person society avoids and extend tangible kindness. • Celebrate small victories of grace you observe in others; let gratitude replace grumbling. |
    |