Romans 9 begins with Paul’s broken heart as he writes in verse 2, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” (NIV)
Paul was writing about people he loved,
people who knew about God but had not received Jesus.
Paul did not speak about them with anger, arrogance, or judgment.
He spoke about them with sorrow and lifted up his heartbreak to God.
He knew that we cannot force another person to believe.
He knew that our job is to love them, God’s job is to save them.
The people in your life do not need your condemnation.
They need your compassion.
They need someone who will continue loving them,
praying for them, and believing that God can reach them.
So keep showing up with grace.
Keep speaking truth with kindness.
Keep praying when you see no evidence of change.
A heart that reflects Jesus does not give up on people,
it keeps loving and keeps praying.
Let their distance from God break your heart and move you toward prayer.
And trust God with them and their journey.
Father, give me Your heart for those who are far from You. Replace my frustration with compassion and my judgment with prayer. Help me love them faithfully while trusting You to work in ways I cannot see. In Jesus Powerful Name, Amen.
3 Responses
This is exactly what I needed to hear. I must keep praying, even when I feel frustrated because I don’t see the results. God knows the big picture, and I just need to trust Him, but I’m struggling with it nonetheless.
Terri, I am praying for your faith to rise up and to rest God’s amazing loves you wait. In Jesus Name, Amen.
I appreciate you, thank you