"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved'' (Romans 10:1).
Stop and consider the apostle's affection and concern for people whom, for the most part, were not personally acquainted with him. Paul's desire was genuine: he wanted lost souls to be saved.
Christians need to have the same attitude today. The "heart's desire'" is a strong feeling of sympathy and compassion. This cannot be created without proper cultivation. Children of God know what it is like to have hope, peace and purpose in life, as Paul realized (1 Timothy 1:12-16).
Consider our loved ones who need to be saved. Generating interest in seeing them obey would not be a hard task. The question is, Are we as concerned for their souls as Paul was for all Israel? Paul expressed what his desire was; have we?
Next time opportunity knocks, go up to your loved one and say something like, "I want you to know that my desire and prayer to God is that you might be saved. Will you obey?"
People have told me that they long for the day when a certain one will be baptized. The truth is, the best thing that can help that to come about is to express it openly to the individual.
Jesus, when seeing the sinful state of the people, cried out, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37).
Our Lord illustrates perfectly that a meaningful spiritual concern comes when seeing the true state of the lost. Many opportunities to express our heartfelt desires are missed because we close our eyes to the sinful state people are in. We may love someone, but if they are not a Christian, they must be viewed as being in bondage to sin.
When we see the end of their way, which is everlasting destruction, then efforts are put forth. It may be hard to see that the Lord would damn one who loves you so much, but remember, it's not their love for you that will get them into heaven; it's their love for the Lord.
Go ahead; say something today while today still is.
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 5/30/99.