The Bible offers a balanced view on interacting with those who don’t follow its teachings. While Jesus himself spent time with sinners, the Bible also warns about how bad company can corrupt good character. The key is maintaining love for others without compromising personal faith.
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What Does The Bible Say About Keeping Company With Sinners
Luke 5:30-32
“But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with such scum?'” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ willingness to associate with sinners. It challenges the religious leaders’ criticism and emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who are in need of spiritual healing and redemption.
Jesus emphasizes that He did not come for the self-righteous, but for sinners who acknowledge their need for repentance. This verse encourages believers to have a compassionate and inclusive attitude toward sinners, recognizing that everyone is in need of God’s grace.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people – not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
This verse provides guidance on the issue of keeping company with sinners within the Christian community. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness, while also highlighting the need for discernment in our relationships.
While we are called to engage with sinners in the world and share the love of Christ, this verse cautions against associating closely with brothers or sisters within the faith who persist in unrepentant sin. It reminds believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of the community while also being mindful of our own actions and choices.
Matthew 9:10-13
“Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, he said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do.'”
This verse depicts Jesus accepting an invitation to dine with notorious sinners. It reveals Jesus’ compassion and desire to be a source of spiritual healing for those who may be considered outcasts or morally compromised.
Despite the criticism from religious leaders, Jesus reiterates his purpose in seeking out sinners and offering them the opportunity for transformation. This verse teaches us not to judge or segregate others based on their past or reputation, but to emulate the example of Christ by extending forgiveness, grace, and redemption to all.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse warns believers about the influence of negative company on their character. It cautions against forming close associations with individuals who can potentially lead us astray from our faith or moral values.
While we are called to engage with sinners in love and share the gospel, this verse reminds us to exercise wisdom and discernment in our relationships. It emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and strengthen our spiritual growth, rather than compromising our beliefs and integrity.
Mark 2:15-17
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’
This verse reiterates Jesus’ willingness to dine with sinners, specifically tax collectors who were widely despised by society during that time. It demonstrates Jesus’ purpose of seeking out the lost and offering them the opportunity for redemption.
Despite the disapproval and judgment of the religious leaders, Jesus emphasizes the need for spiritual healing and salvation. This verse encourages believers to emulate Jesus’ example by reaching out to those who are considered outcasts or morally compromised, sharing God’s love and forgiveness with them.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
This verse identifies various sinful behaviors and clarifies that those who persist in these behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s redemption and the possibility for change and sanctification.
While sinfulness is not to be condoned, this verse emphasizes the potential for repentance and renewal through Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to extend grace and love to sinners, always remembering that transformation and forgiveness are available through the saving work of Jesus.
Luke 19:1-10
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.’ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'”
This verse recounts Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, who desired to see Jesus. It illustrates Jesus’ willingness to associate with sinners and His ability to bring about radical transformation in their lives.
Despite the societal disapproval directed at Zacchaeus, Jesus intentionally chooses to dine with him, leading to Zacchaeus’ repentance and restoration. This verse encourages believers to have faith in the transformative power of the Gospel, realizing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and grace.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
This verse teaches believers the importance of addressing and restoring fellow believers who have fallen into sin. It emphasizes the need for a Spirit-led approach characterized by gentleness, love, and restoration.
While it is important to maintain healthy boundaries and avoid being influenced negatively, this verse reminds us of the responsibility we have to support and help restore our brothers and sisters in Christ. It encourages a compassionate and humble response, acknowledging our own vulnerability and the need for accountability within the Christian community.
Philippians 2:14-15
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
This verse exhorts believers to live in a manner that reflects their identity as children of God. It encourages a positive and blameless attitude, devoid of grumbling and arguing, that sets them apart from the corrupt and sinful world.
By exhibiting Christ-like behavior and avoiding quarrels and complaints, believers have the opportunity to shine as beacons of light and hope in a world characterized by darkness and wickedness. This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life that attracts others to God’s grace and redemption.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse calls believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God, surrendering their lives and desires to Him. It emphasizes the need for transformation through the renewing of the mind, cultivating a mindset that aligns with God’s will, rather than conforming to the sinful patterns of the world.
By dedicating ourselves to God, we are positioned to discern and understand His perfect will for our lives. This verse reminds us of the importance of allowing God’s transformative work within us, constantly striving to live a life that honors and pleases Him.
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
This verse compares believers to salt, emphasizing their role as preservers and influencers in the world. It challenges followers of Christ to maintain their spiritual distinctiveness and impact by living out their faith and embodying God’s love.
When believers lose their “saltiness” by conforming to the ways of the world or compromising their values, their ability to be effective agents of transformation is diminished. This verse serves as a reminder to remain true to our Christian identity and purpose, impacting the world around us positively.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”
This verse advises believers against entering into close partnerships or relationships with unbelievers that could compromise their faith and lead them away from righteousness. It underscores the inherent contrast between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, and Christ and Belial (a term representing Satan).
While believers are called to engage with non-believers and share the Gospel, this verse reminds them of the need to be cautious and discerning. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ and focus on aligning themselves with those who share their faith and values.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
This verse admonishes believers against seeking friendship or alignment with worldly values and desires. It highlights the spiritual consequences of prioritizing worldly attractions over a sincere devotion to God.
While believers are called to be salt and light in the world, this verse warns against becoming entangled in the sinfulness and allure of worldly pursuits. It calls for a deliberate choice to prioritize our relationship with God and to live in a manner that aligns with His will and values.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
This verse describes the characteristics of people who have turned away from God and highlights the challenging times believers may face in the last days. It warns against engaging in close relationships or associations with individuals characterized by these destructive traits.
While believers are called to love and share the Gospel, this verse cautions against entangling oneself with those who persist in ungodliness and oppose the truth of God’s Word. It emphasizes the importance of exercising discernment and maintaining spiritual boundaries in our relationships.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse advises individuals to surround themselves with wise and knowledgeable individuals as it promotes personal growth and discernment. It acknowledges that there are consequences for aligning oneself with foolish or unwise individuals who may lead us astray.
Choosing wise companions and mentors enables us to learn from their wisdom, guidance, and experience. This verse reminds believers to seek out relationships that foster spiritual growth and accountability, while also being mindful of the influence of those around us.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
This verse instructs believers to avoid participating in or endorsing the works of darkness and, instead, to expose them. It underscores the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that reflects the truth and light of Christ, rather than engaging in activities that promote sin or compromise our faith.
While this verse does not discourage our interaction with sinners, it encourages a clear distinction between God’s truth and the darkness of the world. It challenges believers to be bold in their stand for righteousness and to be a light that exposes the falsehoods and sinful practices prevalent in society.
1 Corinthians 5:6-7
“Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch – as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
This verse uses the analogy of yeast to illustrate how a small amount can influence and affect the entire batch of dough. It exhorts believers to rid themselves of sinful influences and behaviors, acknowledging the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
By ensuring that our lives are free from the “old yeast” of sin, we are positioned to live as a new creation in Christ. This verse reminds us of the necessity to continually evaluate and eliminate sinful influences in our lives, that we may conform to the likeness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God–I say this to your shame.”
This verse warns against the corrupting influence of bad company on one’s character and calls believers to be wise and discerning. It confronts the reality that associating closely with those who engage in sinful behaviors can lead us astray from living a God-honoring life.
By regaining proper perspective and stopping sinning, believers maintain the integrity of their character and avoid compromising their faith. This verse challenges believers to consider the impact of their relationships on their spiritual well-being and encourages them to pursue righteousness and godliness.
2 Timothy 2:22
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse urges believers to actively resist and avoid succumbing to the sinful desires often associated with the younger years of life. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace in the company of fellow believers.
By intentionally seeking fellowship with other believers who share a pure heart and desire to honor God, we create an environment that nurtures our spiritual growth and accountability. This verse encourages believers to prioritize relationships that encourage and inspire godly living.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”
This verse underscores the importance of discernment in the Christian walk. It encourages believers to evaluate and test everything against God’s Word, holding on to that which is good and rejecting all forms of evil.
By developing a discerning spirit and aligning our thoughts, beliefs, and actions with God’s truth, we guard ourselves against being influenced by the lies and deception of the world. This verse challenges believers to be vigilant and intentional about their choices, ensuring they are in line with God’s will.
Galatians 5:7-9
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ‘A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.’
This verse addresses believers who were being swayed away from the truth by false teaching or external influences. It emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast, discerning, and aware of anything that compromises our commitment to obeying God’s truth.
Just as a small amount of yeast affects the entire batch of dough, this verse warns against the subtle and pervasive nature of deception. It calls believers to guard their hearts, minds, and actions, ensuring that they align with God’s Word and resisting anything that diverts them from the truth.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse defines true religion or faith in God as not only caring for the vulnerable, but also keeping oneself from being polluted by the sinful influences of the world.
While believers are called to engage with the world and extend compassion, this verse reminds them to maintain their spiritual purity and integrity. It emphasizes the importance of living out our faith by actively resisting the temptations and sinful patterns prevalent in the world.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”
This verse urges believers to put to death the sinful desires and tendencies that are associated with our earthly nature. It calls for a deliberate and intentional effort to resist and renounce immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed.
By acknowledging the destructive nature of these sinful behaviors, believers are prompted to seek God’s transforming power and grace to overcome them. This verse reminds us of the continual need to crucify our sinful tendencies and strive for a life characterized by holiness and purity.