How should you connect with others?

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NLT)

One time I was at church with a friend that had tattoos all over his arms.  When the service was over we went outside so that he could smoke.  While we were outside some people walked by looking at us like we were an issue.  Why would they do this?  This person that appears to look and act different was trying out a place where “Christians” go.

I asked myself what is the difference from a person that calls themselves a Christian and a person that is not.  The only real difference is that the Christian is a person that has confessed that Christ is Lord and they have sinned and, based on this, they know they have been forgiven.  The non-Christian does not know this.

Knowing this, how could a Christian judge a non-Christian?  The Christian has been where the non-Christian has been; but, they have found salvation in the forgiveness that they have received.  When I was with this person I didn’t take up in his activities but rather was a friend and wanted him to know I was as accepting as the Savior that had accepted me.

This Bible passage is telling us to accept the weak and find the common ground with the goal to share the saving Grace that has been shown to us.  Since then I am going to a church that knows this and when people are out back smoking, they are loved and not judged…

Is this the right attitude?  Do you judge?  Do you accept the weak by not doing but rather show them grace?