[7] Give unto the good, and help not the sinner. [8] A friend cannot be known in prosperity: and an enemy cannot be hidden in adversity.
1 John 1:9. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
And when the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with tax collectors and sinners, they told his disciples, "Heeats with tax collectors and sinners." And when Jesus heard it, he told them, "Those who are well do not need a physi- cian, rather those who are sick.
Mark 2:17 is a reminder that God is the ultimate healer. His word can prevail over any situation and touch even the darkest part of our souls. This verse gives us insight into the biblical answers for hope, repentance, and healing.
But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
There is no forgiveness without repentance. God does not forgive unrepentant sinners. He loves them, and that is what He calls us to do, “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers,” says Paul in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Believers can and should relate to unbelievers' situations, but we must never emulate their lifestyles of separation from God.
Jesus taught two important lessons about His ministry: (1) He came to save sinners, not to call the religious; and (2) He came to bring gladness and not sadness. The third lesson is this: He came to introduce the new, not to patch up the old.
With these two parables Jesus is showing that he needs to be received on his own terms. The religious practices of the Pharisees and Jesus will not mix. And if you don't come to Jesus on his own terms, not only will you not get Jesus (the wine is destroyed) but you will be worse than before (the wineskins are ruined).
Jesus will always open his doors for us and accept us for who we are. Thus, we do not judge other people rather we welcome each one as members of one community of God's sons and daughters. We are also called to be one in leading others back to His path.
“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). When it comes to becoming familiar with sin, God would have us keep our distance.
This narrative is told in Matthew 9:10-17, Mark 2:15-22, and Luke 5:29-39. The Pharisee rebuke Jesus for eating with sinners, to which Jesus responds, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."
But Ephesians 2 tells us what lies behind our sin. Why do we sin? The answer is, “We sin because we are sinners.” We are all born with a nature that produces sin.
Our recognition of God's sovereign initiative and rich mercy in saving undeserved sinners brings Him glory. Also, we should see that God desires His people to be workers of righteousness. Although we aren't saved by our works, we are saved in order that we will work for God. This is the point taught in Ephesians 2:10.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. " In our series of messages Standing on the Promises we find a significant promise in 1 John 1:5-9.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
(And) no one who has been drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'The old is good. '” Reflection. The gospel today tells us not to focus on the external aspect of fasting but on its very essence, that is, to discipline our body and soul in such a way that we may become much closer to Christ.
The gospel has shown that once, Jesus has shown his anger which manifested the aspect of him being a man besides being the Son of God. However, the actual lesson in the gospel is beyond that. The reason behind his scolding was that he wanted to correct all the people present in the temple with what they were doing.
So when Jesus and His disciples weren't fasting frequently like the pious Pharisees, they appeared ungodly by worldly standards. But Jesus turned it back around to the true purpose of fasting being mourning or longing, neither of which was appropriate when the Bridegroom, the Messiah, was with them.
I take care not to come to uncharitable judgments about the way others live. God calls me to growth and new life. I pray that I may receive all the goodness God has to offer me, being made anew in the image of God.
The meaning – This is a reference to the necessary death of Jesus in order to fulfill all that He came to accomplish. For a time the bridegroom was taken away (in death) and now He has gone away for a time, but one day He will return for His Bride.
A simple act of kindness means a lot especially to individuals who are hurting. Let us help one another to strengthen our mental and emotional health. Loving Father, help us to do what is good and what is right. Help us choose to give a helping hand rather than judge others.
The Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit does not indwell the unbeliever, for the Spirit comes only to those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord.
Common grace is what God provides to everyone, even to the unbelievers. Common grace maintains the whole of creation, and every breath that anyone takes is due to it. God still loves His creation and, “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5: 44-45).