Living In The Light

January 17, Tender, Forgiving Love

“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
—Mark 2:17 LL 23.1

Those who can see the weakness and mark the faults of an erring one have a special responsibility to try to help him. If they push him off and crowd him away, I am to hold out to him the hand of hope, that he may grasp it and never let go. I am to say to him, “Never be discouraged.” I am to tell him of his mistakes, manifesting the kindest sympathy. Thus, a soul may be saved and a multitude of sins hidden; for if he confesses his faults, the Lord will pardon him. And from his own experience he will learn how to deal with others who make mistakes. LL 23.2

In dealing with the erring, Christ showed tender, forgiving love, and we are to practice the lessons He has given. LL 23.3

When Christ ate with publicans and sinners, the priests and rulers made all the capital possible out of His action. But Christ did this that He might speak to erring men and women the words of encouragement that the priests and rulers were not willing to speak. He would satisfy the inmost longings of the soul and help the sore-troubled ones who needed guidance and encouragement. His words were always spoken with wisdom. They always exalted the truth. He presented principles that searched the recesses of the hearts of those who listened. He said that which reached the diseased imagination and drew the mind out after eternal realities. LL 23.4

While Christ accepted invitations to feasts and gatherings, He did not partake of all the food offered Him, but quietly ate of that which was appropriate for His physical necessities, avoiding the many things that He did not need. His disciples were frequently invited with Him, and His conduct was a lesson to them, teaching them not to indulge appetite by overeating or by eating improper food. He showed them that portions of the food provided could be passed by and portions chosen. LL 23.5

Christ went to these feasts because He wished to show those who were excluding themselves from the society of their fellow men and women how wrong their course of action was. He wished to teach them that truth was given to be imparted to those who had it not. If they had truth, why keep it selfishly to themselves. LL 23.6

“I came not to call the righteous,” Christ declared, “but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). This was His work. — Letter 67, 1905. LL 23.7

Further Reflection: What does the extent to which Jesus would go to minister to sinners say to us about our efforts to reach the lost? LL 23.8