He took tax collectors and all manner of sinners into His fold provided they "go and sin no more" and follow His teachings.
Jesus' circle of followers included all the outcasts of His society. Those deemed unworthy of participation in polite society were included, felt loved and understood.
If people could see all your sins, every last act in life and could see the contents of our hearts, all the good and all the bad, how would they react? Would they refuse to sit by you, would they gossip about you? Would you treat them the same?
Shunning is common practice in every culture throughout history. This treatment is one of the most hurtful tactics that can be employed to deal with people considered less than.
But why is the practice of shunning and exclusion so prominent in a culture, in a church that so prides itself on following possibly the most inclusive teacher to have ever lived?
It seems as though the Gospel Christ preached was more about inclusion whereas the Gospel today seems rather content in it use of exclusion.
Is it truly Christ demanding that certain people be excommunicated, excluded from and kicked out of His church?
I don't think those who ask uncomfortable questions are doing Satans work, or are filthy for crying foul, or are detestable for challenging the status quo.
Know that I am grieved at seeing so many good people shunned and shamed because they just don't fit in. Or because they were victimized and are thus unclean and had to be asking for it.
Wouldn't it be great if we were as inclusive as we are currently exclusive? And allowed all into our ranks?
If we were as concerned with including people as was Christ what would our community, our world look like? Would it truly bring about the kingdom of God on Earth as it is in a Heaven?
Who is not worthy of inclusion? Are we all not alike unto God? Are we not all brothers and sisters with more sinners than saints?
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:10-14
A repentant sinner is welcomed by God at His Temple. Wouldn't it be great if we welcomed sinners in our ward houses these days?
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bondand free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. 2 Nephi 26:33
Imagine what this world could be if we all accepted our own short comings and that of others and accepted each other as children of God.
If people pursued acceptance, love, understanding and forgiveness as they do material wealth and power, we would see more than Zion, we would see the Kingdom of God on a Earth as it is in Heaven.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35How can we love those we exclude and shun? Even our enemies deserve love according to Christ.