And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you [King Agrippa], but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am [a Christian], except for these chains” (Acts 26:29).
Desiring the salvation of everyone is the ultimate mark of Christian maturity; having compassion for all souls is to be most Christlike.
However, the thought of telling everyone we meet about Jesus scares most of us into silence. The more we think about talking to strangers about Jesus, the more we imagine a myriad of things that could go wrong.
Rejection is never pleasant; but nor is it avoidable. The person you talk to about the Gospel will show as much genuine interest in God as they possess at the time. Their reaction to the Gospel is ultimately between them and God.
Our love for them is not based on their response. We care about the welfare of their soul, even if they don’t. That is the spirit of Jesus.
Consequently, our preparation must incorporate a growing sense of the immediate need, as well as a vision for possible future change; we are setting in for the long haul—starting today. Otherwise, discouragement will turn into disillusionment, and we will stop caring.
Developing a heart for the lost will require a massive adjustment of attitudes and behaviours in us, but it begins with prayer and concern. We start with our nearest and dearest, where our idiosyncrasies are accepted, and then we move into potentially hostile territory. It is there that we quickly discover that most people are not welcoming of someone telling them that they are spiritually lost—despite your intense love for them.
But, already knowing that we may, or may not, see the increase today, we sow and water as much as the opportunity allows anyway. We care; therefore, we speak.
There is no greater work than to invite others to Stand in the Assembly of the Righteous.
John Staiger
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