When the Bible talks about hanging out with sinners, it’s a topic wrapped in grace, truth, and a bit of a reality check. At its heart, the message is about balance—walking the line between showing love and not condoning sin. Jesus Himself was known for spending time with those society had labeled as sinners, showing us that God’s love is for everyone, no matter their past. This approach was revolutionary, emphasizing compassion over condemnation, and understanding over judgment.
Curious about how this ancient wisdom can apply to your friendships and social circles today? Stick around as we dive deeper into what the Bible really says about hanging out with sinners.
What Does the Bible Say About Hanging Out With Sinners?
The Bible’s stance on associating with sinners is nuanced, reflecting Jesus’ mission of love and redemption. Jesus’ interactions with sinners were often pointed to by religious leaders of the time as controversial. Yet, He consistently demonstrated that His purpose was not to shun those who were lost but to bring them closer to God’s grace.
First and foremost, the Bible makes it clear that we are all sinners in need of grace. Romans 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” putting everyone on the same playing field. This acknowledgment is crucial because it reminds us that the distinction between us and “sinners” is not as vast as we might think.
Jesus’ ministry was marked by His willingness to meet people where they were, showing love and grace to those who were often rejected by society. His actions illustrate God’s view that no one is beyond redemption and that our interactions with others should be guided by love, not judgment.
However, the New Testament also advises believers to be mindful of the company they keep, warning that bad company can corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33). This doesn’t mean we should isolate ourselves from the world but rather be discerning about our influences and the impact we allow others to have on our lives.
Moreover, the Bible encourages believers to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), implying that our presence among those who do not yet know God can be a powerful witness. We’re called to influence the world for good, not to be influenced by it.
In essence, hanging out with sinners is allowed, and even encouraged, as long as we approach these relationships with the intent to love, serve, and witness, not to participate in sin. Our goal should mirror that of Jesus—to draw others to God through our love and testimony, not to push them away by avoiding them or, conversely, by compromising our values.
Bible Verses About Hanging Out With Sinners
- Matthew 9:10-13 – “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'” This passage highlights Jesus’ approach to ministry and sets a precedent for Christians to follow: engaging with those who are spiritually “sick” with compassion and the intention to heal, rather than judging or avoiding them.
- Luke 15:1-7 – The Parable of the Lost Sheep. Jesus uses this parable to explain why He spends time with sinners. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, demonstrating God’s joy over a single sinner who repents. This parable teaches us the value of every individual to God and the importance of reaching out to those who are lost.
- 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 – “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” This passage clarifies that the caution against associating with sinners is specifically directed towards those within the church who blatantly sin without repentance, rather than those outside the faith. It underscores the distinction between witnessing to non-believers and condoning sin within the Christian community.
- Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” This verse speaks to the responsibility of believers to help guide others back to the right path when they stray. It emphasizes the importance of doing so with gentleness and caution, aware of our own vulnerability to sin. This guidance applies to interactions within the church but also reflects the broader principle of engaging with sinners with the aim of restoration, not judgment.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-26 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” This passage underscores the attitude believers should have when interacting with those outside the faith—kindness, patience, and gentleness. It suggests that through such interactions, individuals may come to recognize the truth and turn away from sin.
- 1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” This verse encourages believers to be ready to share their faith with others, including sinners, in a manner that is respectful and gentle. It highlights the importance of living out one’s faith in such a way that even detractors can see the difference Christ makes.
- Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Here, Jesus calls His followers to influence the world positively, just as salt enhances flavor and light illuminates darkness. This metaphor can be applied to how Christians should engage with non-believers, providing a witness to God’s love and truth through their lives and interactions.
- James 5:19-20 – “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” This passage highlights the importance and value of reaching out to those who have strayed from the faith. It shows that guiding a sinner back to the truth is a profound and life-saving act.
- Proverbs 13:20 – “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” This Old Testament wisdom cautions about the company we keep, suggesting that our associates can influence our path—for better or for worse. It serves as a reminder to choose our friendships wisely, seeking those that lead us towards wisdom and away from folly.
- Luke 7:34 – “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” In this verse, Jesus is criticized by the religious leaders for His associations, yet He uses this criticism to highlight His mission—to reach those who are lost. This verse reaffirms that engaging with sinners is not about condoning their actions but about bringing them the message of salvation and hope.
These verses collectively paint a picture of a Christian’s role in the world: to be agents of God’s love, truth, and redemption. They encourage believers to engage with sinners in a way that reflects Christ’s love, aiming to guide them towards a relationship with God while maintaining a lifestyle that is holy and pleasing to Him. The message is clear—our interactions with others, including sinners, should always be characterized by love, wisdom, and discernment, keeping in mind our ultimate goal of witnessing to the transformative power of the gospel.