Living Like Jesus: Accepting Others

It is unfortunate, but as human beings, we tend to emphasize differences between individuals rather than similarities. This was especially true of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. The Pharisees, whose name means “separate ones,” were particularly known for this. As the name suggests, the Pharisees separated themselves from anyone who was not like them.

Being like Jesus means accepting others, even if they are different from us. At times this can be difficult, but we have Jesus’ example to help us. Wherever Jesus went, He met people. Rich, poor, young, old, men, women, beggars, or important leaders in the community like Nicodemus – they were all drawn to Jesus. He accepted them and treated them with kindness. The Pharisees and others like them were known for condemning those who were not like them, but Jesus was known to be the friend of even “the tax-gatherers and the sinners.”