Becoming More Like Jesus?

I struggled to finish the book, "Sing You Hom3" by Jod1 P1coult because of the content and the writer's agenda, yet I was determined to see how the controversial subject was handled and how Christians were portrayed. I was disappointed, but have to admit, that it is (sadly) mostly true. I could not stop thinking of this song by Casting Crowns - especially the words, "Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against.."

Jesus, Friend Of Sinners lyrics

Jesus Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to 
swing
Jesus friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus friend of sinners 
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy 
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

Yeah,yeah,yeah

Jesus friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of thieves
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees 

Nobody knows what we're for only what we're against when we 
judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs crossed over the lines and love like 
You did
Oh Jesus friend of sinners 
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy 
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
Oh Jesus friend of sinners 
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy 
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah(hold note)You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

Lord, 

I want people to know what I'm for; I LOVE JESUS; I hunger for God's Word and stand on it's TRUTH! Help me love people like you do. Help me to love them to You. Grant me wisdom, understanding and your words.

"...while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19