Mark 9:38-41-- Stop, Heretic!

John said to Him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us." But Jesus said, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in my name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For he who is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

Another example of giving honor to those who might receive dishonor is given.  A non-disciple is caught using Jesus’ name to cast out demons.  The disciples want to protect Jesus name from “unofficial” use.  Jesus approves of work that has not been approved of officially, for, he says, that such a one is working with them.  Anyone who uses Jesus’ name appropriately—whether they are in the “right” group or not—is accepted by him.  Jesus says that even the least action of commitment to Jesus—even the smallest action of hospitality in Jesus’ name—would be honored by God on the final day.

I have a Mormon friend who brings joy everywhere she goes.  She has raised a large group of kids, some of whom are adopted, she is full of real curiosity and appreciation about others, and she is generous with whatever she has.  As an evangelical, I was taught that she was part of the "wrong" group, and so she is "damned."  I am also friends with some great atheists who are generous and full of grace to all they know, even Christians who try to teach them of the hellfire that awaits them.

When Jesus teaches about the judgment day, he notes that many of those who are welcomed into his kingdom, as well as those who are surrendered to death are surprised at which side of the line they are on.  This is because Jesus (nor any part of the Bible) says that the final judgment is based on which church we are a part of, or on whether we believe all the right things.  The oft-repeated statements about the judgment is, "we are judged according to our deeds."  What we really believe will be seen in how we act, specifically if we act in accord with God's mercy and compassion to those who need it most.

Membership means nothing.  Jesus doesn't want us if we belong to the "right" group, but we act like people who have never experienced the Spirit of love, peace and gentleness.  And no matter what group another person belongs to, if they display God's mercy, they are our family.