Criticism or Compassion?

I have this little daily calendar on my desk from Max Lucado. March 7th said this and I thought it was excellent. Lucado has a gift for writing, and the picture he paints is one I hope my life, your life, and the life of Crosspoint reflects...

The desperate man sits in the corner of the church assembly. Dry mouth, moist palms. He scarcely moves. He feels out of place in a room of disciples, but where else can he go? He just violated every belief he cherishes. Hurt every person he loves. Spent a night doing what he swore he'd never do. And now on Sunday, he sits and stares. He doesn't speak.

If these people knew what I did...scared, guilty, and alone. He could be an addict, a thief, a child beater, a wife cheater. He could be a she - single, pregnant, confused. He could be any number of people, for any number of people come to God's people in his condition - hopeless, hapless, helpless.

How will the congregation react? What will he find? Criticism or compassion? Rejection or acceptance? Raised eyebrows or extended hands?