In  Lk.7:34-35     Jesus said that because He enjoyed life  (J.B. Phillips translation),  He was called a friend of tax-collectors and sinners;   He answers this by saying wisdom will be vindicated by those who are the children of wisdom meaning that our life and our deeds will speak for themselves.
 
 
7 Things we need to know about becoming a friend of sinners.
 
 
1------Understand that God's purpose is not to get the world into the church, but the church into the world. The church that Jesus builds is the instrument of the kingdom of God in the earth.
( Mt.5:14-16 )
 
2-------Understand God's ownership of the planet. The Earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof;   the world and  all they who dwell there in. Ps 24:1
 
3------- Understand the difference between separate and separated.  We can be separate from the world without being separated (2 Cor.6:17)  When we are delivered from the world, that is from its control and binding influence.  We can than be sent to the world. (Acts 26:17)
 
4-------See them as already saved and love them in their present condition, not trying to change them or manipulate them into what we want.  Show them Jesus by showing them mercy.   (Epe.2:4-5)
 
5-------By identifying with them as Jesus identified with us, and then showing them respect, anyone we don't respect will be repelled from our life, those we do respect we will attract.   (Jn.8:3-11)
 
6-------By knowing the power of God over all flesh.  light is greater then darkness, life is greater then death.  Be a people lifter!  give them hope and help!  (Jn.3:17)
 
7-------By learning to communicate with people who don't think, talk, or act like us. they are not religious, but probably are blinded by religion "Note"  The entire book of Esther was written without any reference to God;  Yet He is found all through the book.
(1 Cor.14:23)
 
Scott Stimson Sr.