10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:9-11, NIV)
Even church leaders are not perfect. Matthew left his old way of life to follow Christ while many Pharisees refused to believe that their long-awaited Messiah had come. The Bible does show us how we can avoid making some of our human mistakes: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT) Love God, love one another, do not judge, forgive freely, follow Jesus. It sounds easy enough, right? Sometimes, the very fact that Jesus loves and rescues the unlovable is what makes salvation difficult for some to accept. We must remember that these are the FRUIT of the Spirit, not gifts. Fruit requires nurturing while it develops. We must allow time and resources for nourishment in our own Spiritual journeys, as well as for others. Something that Robin Williams once said, and I can't seem to find the full quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
Being kind is one thing. I'm also amazed at how much Jesus loves those who society seems to forget or even avoid. I want to be like Him, more and more, each day. :)