As Christians, we often look at those we consider sinners and judge them, but our actions should not reflect such an attitude.

Jesus sat down and ate with many sinners. Various scenes in the Bible depict him ignoring invitations from several highly respected individuals to dine with those many of us would rather avoid. In 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23, Paul says we should be “all things to all men so I might save them.”

But while Jesus and Paul did go out among the masses and preach, they did not affirm all actions and lifestyles of those they encountered.

In John 8, Jesus protects the adulteress from the stones of an angry mob, but after the rioters leave he tells her to “sin no more.”

Just as no one in that crowd were able to cast the first stone, neither can anyone today, especially when we take into account that anyone who has lusted in his heart has committed adultery or hated has committed murder.

If Jesus didn’t love all sinners, we’d all be in a world of trouble. God loves us like his children, especially when we fall short of his glory.

On Monday at Chapel Jonathan Storment, preaching minister at Highland Church of Christ, told the student body of an encounter he once had with a lesbian woman. At the time, he didn’t know what to say, but if he could redo that discussion, he said he would have told her that God still loved her and hadn’t given up on her yet, even though the local congregation had.

If God is willing to go after that one lost sheep, why are Christians so often not?

Jesus did confront individuals and expressed his displeasure with their behaviors, but more importantly he forgave them and lived as an example so that they might follow and be saved.

The saying “Love the sinner, hate the sin” has been touted as a guiding force for how Christians should behave. Yet, while said, it’s rarely practiced.

Recently Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi committed suicide after a video of him performing sexual activities with another male was released online. His death has sparked conversations about bullying and intolerance all over the country.

Christians are guilty of some of the worst reactions aimed toward those we believe are lost. Why do we bomb abortion clinics and attack doctors who administer euthanasia but not every bar and liquor store that serves alcoholics? Are all sins not equal before the Lord?

As Christians, we are called to be apart from the world, but also to be a part of the world. We need to show the love and support of Jesus, as well as disapproval, for those struggling with sin.

Let the words of Peter R. Scholtes hymn be true; let the world “know we are Christians by our love.”