Love Doesn’t Always Require Words

One of the most challenging parts of being a Christian is witnessing to someone who is blatantly or even proudly living in sin. Whether you know them personally or have a perception based on their appearance, we might conclude how the conversation could go before even speaking a word. You may have already been there with that person, and that door seems to be nailed shut for them forever.

Jesus was no stranger to situations like this. While he was in Jericho, Jesus knew the chief tax collector Zacchaeus was despised by the community. Back in that day, one didn’t get to be a chief tax collector by being gracious and giving – no, Zacchaeus was the worst of the worst!

Jesus, knowing his heart could have just ignored him, deeming him a lost cause. He could have engaged him publicly in front of the crowd. No, Jesus paused under the tree Zacchaeus was watching him from and invites himself over for dinner! The story tells us that Zacchaeus ultimately has a heart change over dinner, giving himself to God and promising to right his wrongs.

We don’t have a transcript of their conversation leading up to this moment, but knowing Jesus, his very presence and willingness to listen caused Zacchaeus to want something more. Jesus gave his time and saw him as a child of God in need of grace. He provided a bit of light into someone else’s dark.

I recently came across a sentiment that put it this way: “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.”