It’s easy to look around today and see so many depraved individuals who are vigorously promoting wicked and sinful practices. They endeavor to normalize these destructive behaviors within our society and lead others in their folly. It’s so easy for us to regard these individuals with contempt that we can forget that they too were created in God’s image and are precious to Him just as we are.
Do we feel the burden for the lost in the way we ought to? Do we value the prodigal son in the manner that Jesus described in his parable of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32? Do we feel the burden for the lost in the way that Paul felt it for his fellow Jews?
I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. - Romans 9:1-4
I for one, cannot even imagine Paul’s willingness to forfeit his own salvation on behalf of his fellow Israelites, many of whom were living in active rebellion against God. This illustrates the tremendous compassion that Paul had for the lost which we would do well to remember today.
As we find ourselves encountering those who are lost, let us reach out to them with compassion and a longing to see them redeemed as we lift them up in prayer. Instead of turning away from the lost, let us have compassion for them and pray fervently for their redemption and renewal in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
