God looks at the heart and not the outward appearance. Tax collectors were generally considered sinners in the time of Jesus because they used to collect more money from the people than what actually needed to be collected to pay taxes. When this tax collector went to the synagogue to pray, he laid bare his heart before God by shouting at him that he was a sinner.
We can go to God even if we are not accepted by the people around us. He loves us with an immense love. If we are willing to open ourselves before God and confess our mistakes and sins, He will forgive us through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. It is not by our works that we are justified. We are justified by the work Jesus did on the cross. We may have failed and not met the criteria for becoming a good person in the eyes of society, but if we come before God with a contrite spirit and a desire to accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we will be vindicated. God is ready to forgive you and give you new life in Christ Jesus.
Today we want to pray together to the Lord saying: Father of Love, I come to You today with an open and humble heart. Forgive me and wash me with the blood of Your son. In the name of Jesus... Amen!
With love, Ivano Salerno