Devotion:
Read Luke 7:36-48.
It is one of those real-life dilemmas for Christians. The people of God also struggled with it in Bible times. We are supposed to be separating ourselves from sin. So should we also separate ourselves from sinful people?
Some of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had determined that they needed to live their lives separated from people who had a bad reputation. In order to set a good example for everyone, they believed they should not in any way be connected to such people. So the leader in this story is perplexed that Jesus would allow this woman with a bad reputation to be in his presence, not to mention allowing her to touch him.
But Jesus did not share this man’s belief. He was not concerned about his reputation, but about helping this woman know that her sins were forgiven and her faith in him had saved her.
None of us can totally separate ourselves from sin, because we all are sinners. Jesus frees us and leads us to be willing to connect with anyone. The key is keeping close to him while we are doing so, in order to be able to have an influence on that person, such that they come to know of Christ’s love and forgiveness for themselves. There may be times when your reputation suffers, but if it suffers for the cause of Christ, then be assured you are following his example and doing his will.
Personal Worship Option:
Who is that person who you are afraid to connect with because of what it might do to your reputation, yet you sense God is leading you to make that connection? Write down their name and pray for them and for guidance on how to connect with them.
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