Kindness – Kindness That Welcomes (365/208)
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
We all draw invisible lines around ourselves - people we trust, avoid, or quietly decide aren’t worth our time. Sometimes those lines are shaped by hurt or wisdom; sometimes they are simply judgments disguised as boundaries.
“Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5)
In Luke 19, the Bible tells us about Zacchaeus who probably lived on the wrong side of many such lines. As a chief tax collector, he was wealthy but despised, regarded as a traitor and sinner. Even the crowd became a barrier between him and Jesus (v1-4). Jesus could have walked past him. Instead, He stopped, called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself into his home. The crowd immediately objected: “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man!” (v7). They saw Zacchaeus according to his past and his reputation. Jesus saw someone who needed to be found and restored. Transformation followed - Zacchaeus responded by giving generously to the poor and making restitution to those he had wronged (v8).
Jesus’ welcome was never an endorsement of Zacchaeus's wrongdoing, but a gracious doorway for transformation. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). You and I are welcomed at His table because of His grace alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Pause and Ponder
Who have I quietly placed beyond the reach of my kindness because of their reputation or past?
Can I distinguish between holding healthy boundaries and withholding kindness?
How might I make someone feel seen, valued and welcome without compromising truth?
Having received His grace, may we make room for others to experience kindness, trusting God to transform lives.
Lord Jesus, forgive my judgmental heart. Give me grace to show kindness that opens doors for Your transforming grace. Amen.
Extended Reading: Luke 19:1-10
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