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Jesus Never Turned Away the Marginalized — Why Do We?

Jesus Never Turned Away the Marginalized — Why Do We?

Last updated on: July 30, 2025 at 11:37 am by Robert Cottrell

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Jesus Never Turned Away the Marginalized — Why Do We? 2025-07-30T11:37:59-05:00 Robert Cottrell

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Jesus never turned away the marginalized. Not once.

He ate with tax collectors and sinners. He touched those society called “unclean.” He welcomed women, children, foreigners, and outcasts—people the religious leaders of his time avoided at all costs. And yet, today, so many who claim his name are turning their backs on the very people Jesus would have embraced.

The Religious Right vs. the Way of Jesus

Right now, the religious right is waging an all-out attack on marginalized communities—especially LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, women, and those living in poverty. Instead of reflecting the compassion of Jesus, they have chosen judgment, fear, and control. For their own gain. Indefensible.

We see laws being passed that strip away rights, sermons that spread fear, and social media posts that dehumanize entire groups of people. All of it in the name of God.

But let’s be clear: this is not Jesus.

Jesus’ Heart for the Outcast

Jesus made it perfectly clear: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

He didn’t say, “Welcome the marginalized only if they agree with your theology.” He didn’t say, “Love your neighbor, unless they make you uncomfortable.” No—his love was radical, unconditional, and boundary-breaking.

If Jesus were physically walking among us today, where would we find him? Sitting with the LGBTQ+ teen who was kicked out of their home by Christian parents. Holding the hand of the immigrant seeking safety. Comforting the transgender person who has been told by the church that they are not welcome.

Why Has the Church Strayed?

Why does the church turn away those Jesus would have run to embrace? Often, it’s fear. Fear of what we don’t understand. Fear of losing control. Fear of being “wrong.”

But fear is the opposite of love—and perfect love casts out fear.

When we build walls instead of bridges, we are not following Jesus. We are following something else entirely. Someone else entirely.

The Harm of “Religious Righteousness”

The attacks we see today are not just political—they are deeply personal. For the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender people, these attacks result in real harm: depression, homelessness, and even suicide. That harm is rooted in faith-based family rejection – churches and families who claim to speak for God.

Jesus never shamed the marginalized. He saved his harshest words for the religious leaders who used God’s name to control and exclude others.

A Call to Return to Love

If you call yourself a follower of Jesus, this is the moment to reflect. Are your actions—your words, your votes, your silence—aligning with Jesus’ radical love for the marginalized?

Because when we stand with the outcast, we are standing with Jesus himself.

The World Is Watching

The world is watching how we treat the most vulnerable among us. And when we choose exclusion over love, we misrepresent the very heart of God.

Jesus never turned away the marginalized. Why do we?

Let’s put down the stones. Let’s open our arms. Let’s show the world a love so radical, so inclusive, that no one is left behind. That’s NOT religion. That’s NOT the church. That’s Jesus.

Click here to come say hello.

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