Kids and dogs can tell if you care about them.  Have you noticed?  They will keep their distance if they sense that you don’t like children, or that you are afraid of dogs. But if you feel genuine affection for them, they are all over you.  Even adults know if you are truly interested in them. And we must care deeply about people if we want to lead them to Christ.

Jesus Himself loves everyone.  In Luke chapter 15 there are three metaphors which convey how God loves people:  like a shepherd who lost a sheep, like a woman who lost a coin, and like a father who lost a son.  There is longing and urgency in His love.  But when the sheep is brought safely into the fold, the coin is restored to its place, and the son returns to the family, there is a celebration.  The Bible tells us that there is joy in heaven when even one sinner repents.

God wants us to have a part in this process of bringing the lost ones home.  It starts with caring about them, praying for them, loving them.  Do you find it difficult to love those who are outside God’s family?  Why not pray this prayer with me –“Lord, you have told me to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.  To be honest, I am not doing that. Would you help me love people who are not believers?  Will you give me boldness to speak to them about You?  I know You love them and died for them.  Give me that concern for them that would reflect Your heart.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

This is Luis Palau.