The Example of Jesus
Jesus was a very sociable person so much so that the hypocritical religious leaders of that time made a saying about Him: “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking … ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (Luke 7:34). But why did Jesus socialize so much? A tax collector named Levi after he was saved and his life was changed by Jesus, threw a great feast and invited Jesus to the celebration. During those times, there was a great divide between the religious leaders and people such as the tax collector Levi. Levi and his invited friends were disliked by the Jews as they often, for their own selfish gain, made the common people pay high taxes. Thus, when Jesus ate with these considered by the Jewish society big sinners, they were indignant that Jesus, a well respected rabbi (teacher), should eat with Levi and his sinner friends.
It was in this context that Jesus said: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32). How did Jesus “call” sinners to Himself and to salvation? Jesus ate and drank with sinners—He did not despise them but was their friend. He loved them unconditionally. He rejoices with those who rejoice and grieve with those who are grieving.
What You Can Do
Jesus says: “”You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matt 5:13). Did you pray for God to lead you to three persons, friends or relatives, whom you can bring to Christ? Some time ago, I mentioned the acronym FLIP—to “flip” lives from sin to salvation. “F” stands for “Friend”: be a friend to them. During visitation, without intruding into others’ privacy and appear nosy, you can talk about something edifying. For instance, you can ask them about the challenges they face and also share about how God has helped you at work or your family, or how He answered your prayers. Besides giving red packets, I encourage you to insert a gospel tract in it. I know of some people who actually got saved or attracted to Christ by such tracts. “L” stands for “Life”: walk deeply with the Lord and be filled with His abundant life. Then life will flow to others through you. “I” stands for “Invite”: invite them to our activities. “P” stands for “Pray”: pray for them. Ask God to work in their lives and use you. Let us FLIP lives for God. Have a grace filled New Year!