I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
Romans 9:2-3

Paul’s “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” over the fact that so many of his own beloved friends and family members had no interest in following Christ gives us an glimpse into his heart.

Paul was a man full of joyful exuberance. He enjoyed his life, especially since he knew he was doing what God had called him to do and he was doing it to the best of his ability. Life just doesn’t get any more fulfilling than that. Even as he faced opposition, death threats, imprisonment and ultimately a death sentence at the command of Nero, Paul was content.

But the whole time he also carried this sorrow in himself, grieving for his own people, who didn’t want what he had.

Do you feel the same way? Does it matter to you that people you love don’t know Jesus or even want to know Him?

I suspect that unless we come to feel the way that Paul did about those who are lost in sin and rebellion against God, we won’t see much progress or improvement in their spiritual condition. If I don’t care, why should they?

Lord, forgive the hardness of my heart, my callousness disregard for their souls. Give me a heart like a yours, eyes to see them as You see them. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles