Grace

Stigmatized; label as socially undesirable: to label somebody or something as socially unacceptable.  brand
brand, slur, defame, mark out, pillory, denounce
disparagement, vilification, scorn, depreciation, belittling, belittlement
antonym: glorification

I was just reading an article written by a doctor that discusses the fact that many people in society are stigmatized because society feels that if the person could have prevented misfortune, ensured better health, had financial success or power, then they should be to blame for their problems. If they just did all the right things- their life would be perfect- so somewhere along their path they did something wrong so ultimately they should be to blame. Right? Dr. Schwartz explains; Therefore, it becomes rather easy to move from blaming people for their circumstances to treating them with contempt. Contempt results in social rejection of people viewed as unworthy of being included in society. Among these people are homosexuals, the poor and poverty stricken, minority groups such as African Americans, Native Americans, and others, those infected with HIV, those with a past history of criminal activity and many others. Why contempt? Because they are thought of, by some, as having violated some sacred value or moral belief. It really does seem natural for us to blame others for their situation. They knew what would happen right? They could have been more prudent? Got advice? They understand the consequences of their actions.. They get what they have coming, right?  Then it becomes about performance. Jesus went to- the sinners. I was listening to Alistair Begg this morning on the radio and he was talking about the fact that the church is filled with the good, the bad, and the ugly. And the weird. Christianity isn't for people who have it all figured out. King David talks to God about his struggle with sin;
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.

Do not let fools mock me.

9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,

for my punishment is from you.

10 But please stop striking me!

I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.

11 When you discipline us for our sins,

you consume like a moth what is precious to us.

Each of us is but a breath.

If we were already perfect God wouldn't have to keep disciplining us! Sanctification is a continual process. King David in Psalm 139 asks God to search him for anything that isnt' of God;
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

God will show us because he wants to heal and cleanse us. Not because he wants to condemn us.
That is what is so amazing about our Lord and Savior. He is merciful and full of grace and truth. I heard somewhere that mercy accepts the prodigal son back and is compassionate, but grace is what covers him with a royal  robe and puts a ring on his finger. Its just that extra step that Jesus does for us even though we don't deserve it and fall short.  As it is written: “ There is none righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10, NKJV)We are all desperate and in need; "When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Mark 2:17, NKJV)