Beware of Contempt

“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” (Luke 7:48-50)

The singular truth of the New Testament is Jesus came to save sinners — not black sinners, white sinners, brown sinners, yellow sinners, or red sinners. There is no skin color in the kingdom. There are no good sinners and bad sinners — no cultured sinners  and uncultured sinners — no acceptable sinners and unacceptable sinners — no worse sinner and better sinners — just sinners in need of a Savior. Those of us who are saved would do well to remember this.

Christian workers, especially those of us from prosperous places, must be careful that our prejudices and a sense of superiority and privilege do not frustrate or limit the grace of God. That is a danger for ministers and missionaries, and we are often unaware, because pride is blind to itself. Let’s not miss the opportunity to reach souls by protecting ourselves and our world view. Let’s be careful to repent of even the slightest bit of contempt for the very people we are sent to help. 

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, it is a privilege to serve You and minister to those who are lost and needy. May we see ourselves and others as You do, and may we pursue Your interests in the world, not our own. In Jesus' name, Amen.