We Don’t Look So Good Either
His name was Don and he was homeless. One of the families in our church had employed Don to do some odd jobs and asked Steve if we had any work for him.
We did have some yard and outside projects that Steve hadn’t gotten to, so we said yes.
I felt good about our decision, and probably a bit self-righteous.
I thought, Won’t he be grateful? At the same time, my heart did hurt whenever I drove past bedraggled men (and once in a while, women) on street corners holding signs asking for a meal or a job.
So it was with mixed feelings of pride at our “goodness” and sincere sorrow for his plight, that Steve went to pick up Don at the parking lot where he slept in a run-down van. He came into the garage with Steve, and I went out to greet him.
He was really dirty. His clothes were torn and smelled of sweat and cigarettes.
I shook his hand and saw the red-ringed needle marks. My smile masked my revulsion, but I went back into the house as quickly as I could.
Don worked for us on and off for several months, and I admit that I never felt comfortable around him.
Steve tried to help Don improve; he let him shower at our house, Donate with us, and hear about God’s love for him, Steve worked with him until Don ended up in jail and finally left town.
Don’s sins were so easy to see. He continued to make poor choices and turn down help. He was not easy to love, or even like. But God tells us in this verse that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Yes, I think to myself, but we—my family, friends, and I—are not like Don. We are not dirty and drug-ridden. Surely we are easier to love or even die for.
But just as I am puffing myself up by comparison to one less privileged than I am, another verse comes to mind:
All have sinned. All of us.
And the amazing truth of God’s love is that he poured it out on us while we were still sinners. Even after accepting his Son, we still make mistakes and commit sins. And he still loves us.
Jesus went willingly to the cross for the love of people like Don and you and me. What Don displayed outwardly, we carry in our hearts.
We are full of unlovely trappings, but God comes in and cleanses us. Every “Don” can be white as snow.
Father, thank you that our salvation is not based on how good we are but on your amazing grace.