Loving the Lost ~ Jack Graham

“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?”

-- Matthew 5:46

Have you ever wondered exactly why Jonah resisted going to Nineveh as God had told him to do?

We don’t know the exact reason, but it seems fairly clear that Jonah took issue with the people of Nineveh. Perhaps he believed they were somehow undeserving of God’s love.

Do we make that mistake today with the lost? I think we do. The fact is, a lot of believers simply don’t like lost people. I know that’s a harsh statement, but it’s true. I know people who don’t even like their neighbor, much less love them.

But as you speak out against the evil in society, as you and I are called to do, it is important that we never confuse the sin with the sinner. After all, sinners are just doing what sinners do on a natural basis: they sin. And God is calling you to do what he does. Love the lost!

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world….” This verse is so well known that it could almost sound cliché. But it is the heart of God revealed in Scripture! He loves the world! And God is calling you to love as he loves.

Today, ask God to show you the world through his eyes. You can begin by recognizing the unfailing love and compassion that God has shown you. Let his compassion work through you!

GOD IS CALLING YOU TO LOVE AS HE LOVES!