Jesus dwelt with prostitutes and tax collectors. When he sat down with these people viewed as unacceptable by society, the Pharisees criticized him. The scandal of sitting with such sinners was a shock to common people (Mark 2:13-17, Luke 7)but Jesus came to redeem all sinners. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). Not only do these stories represent sinners who realized their need for God, but they represent Jesus’s kindness in accepting all people with loving hands as the Father does. At the root of this kindness is Jesus’s compassion. He knows that we are lost in our sin and need him to be our righteousness and so he has mercy on us. 

Jesus’ ability to sit with sinners and eat with them shows his heart for his people. This should draw the utmost humility from the deepest parts of our souls. It should cause us to want to see people through Jesus’ eyes. 

Because Jesus has extended this kindness, so should we. 

In Ephesians 4:32 Paul writes, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” It is the same premise as Matthew 6:15, where it talks about forgiveness. “Forgive others as your heavenly father forgave you.” Part of our sanctification as believers is living out what Christ has done for us like sacrificing for others, forgiving others, loving others, and extending kindness to others. 

As his children, we long to reflect the heart of our Father. It shows that the Holy Spirit is in you working, living, and sanctifying. 

You can show kindness and the love of Jesus that was extended to you by inviting people to your table, into your hearts, lives, and homes. A feast of Christian fellowship and the heart of the gospel is waiting there for you!