Though it is wrong, I’ll bet we all have looked at some people and thought, “Those people need to fix their lives, it is disgraceful how they behave.”

How did Jesus approach this issue of “bad” people?

Matthew 9:10-12 says,”Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

I think we often get the sequence of events backward. Whether consciously or not, we think people need to fix their behavior first, then they can be loved and saved. Jesus teaches us the opposite; Show people Gods love first, through our example, and approach. God will work in their heart’s on his timing. Sometimes it may be just a matter of saying a prayer for the person, rather than carrying on our critical thoughts.

Dear Lord, You gave us the example to love first and lead others to the grace of God in Jesus. Help us look at others with love rather than criticism and then let you work in their heart’s. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.