**This response is thorough, well written, and personable. It addresses each aspect of the questioner’s query and provides clear explanations. This is also a good example of requesting clarification from the questioner while still answering what we can. The response has a kind tone, hopefully helping the questioner to feel welcomed and be at ease to digest the content. **

Question: If Jesus is the friends of sinners, why the Christian fell unhappy when they committed sin? Is that the reason Jesus walk away from them?

Profile: Male, 18–30, Asia

Answered by: Darrell Shortt, who has been a volunteer with us since October, 2004.

I want to thank you so much for writing to us. We give glory to the Holy Spirit for leading you to our website and allowing us to help in guiding you to a greater understanding of Him. We also cherish this opportunity to share the Word of God with you. It is both a privilege and an honor to study the Bible. Even more so to share what we glean with others. And may I say that you have certainly asked some very interesting questions!

Yes, you are correct that Jesus was called a “friend of sinners” (Matthew 11:19). The Pharisees had meant the phrase to be a condemnation or slur to put Jesus down. Instead, it reveals a great truth about Him that every Christian should be grateful for. After all, had He not been a friend to me when I was still lost then I never would have sought His forgiveness for my sins! Still, just because Jesus was a friend to the worst of sinners (after all He spent time with them and ate in their homes), it does not imply that He accepted their sinful lifestyles. He loved them enough to meet with them one-on-one and tell them of the consequences of their sin!

When we (Christians) are saved we are forgiven by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all of our sins whether in the past, the present, and even in the future. We become new creatures in Christ. Because of this we stop living for ourselves and for the world. Instead, we seek to serve God and live our life for Him. However, we are at this point still human and as humans we make mistakes and sin (whether accidentally or intentionally). This saddens us because a true believer in Jesus wants to do nothing that He disapproves of.

Even though we have been forgiven of all of our sins, God does not just turn a blind eye to the sins we commit. Part of the Holy Spirit’s job is to convict us of our sins (John 16:7-14; Galatians 5:16-18) so that we will feel saddened by them and in turn seek forgiveness for them (even though it has already been given) so that we can reclaim the closeness with Him that we now desire. God is absolutely holy and just. He cannot abide or be in the presence of sin and He desires for us to become more like Him.

You also asked about why Jesus walked away. I am afraid that I am not sure to what event you are referring. To my knowledge Jesus never walked away from anyone because of their sin. Usually the only times Jesus walked away from people was after finishing His sermons, teaching, or healing all who desired to rest; to escape from mobs when they wanted to stone Him or crown Him King; when He needed to be alone with His disciples for private instruction; or just when He needed to be alone with His Father. If you are thinking of a more specific example, then please respond and give me more information so that I can provide a better explanation for you.

I sincerely hope and pray, though, that this has been both enlightening and helpful. Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) Remember that we are here if there is anything else that you need help in understanding. May the good Lord bless and keep you! And may He grant you wisdom, understanding, and a strong voice to share His love. Amen.