How we think of the marginalized reveals the basis upon which we believe God accepts us.

If we think the marginalized are simply human waste and thus to be avoided, then it reveals that we have never understood the grace of God (And consequently become human waste ourselves in the eyes of God.)

If we think the marginalized are people we should help (mostly) because they don’t have it as good as we do, then it reveals a heart that is proud and patronizing.

If we think the marginalized are no different than us (both deplorable sinners) and perhaps even slightly more favored by God, then we are perhaps on the right track.

In God’s book, those who are worse sinners in the eyes of the people actually have a greater chance of being accepted by God than those who are seen as good. Being good can actually hinder a person from coming to God if he thinks his goodness is what will get him accepted. It is better to be an atrocious sinner and know it than to be good and think that he will be accepted based on that goodness.

Jesus says to a morally upright pharisee, “I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven – for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47. How did Jesus know that this pharisee loved God little? Because he looked down upon “sinners” as worse and thus not worthy of his attention. This reveals that he never understood the grace of God. Had he known the grace of God, he would have known that there really is no difference between him (a religious leader) and a prostitute. They are both sinners deserving hell, but the woman is in a better position because she realizes it but the pharisee doesn’t.

You deserved hell. Do you believe it? How you treat those who are also deserving hell will reveal whether you believe it or not…
PH