I’m about one-half to two-thirds of the way through writing a fictional account of the prophet Jonah, and at times I find myself challenged to consider the state of my own heart. Do I truly have compassion for the lost; or am I a bit like Jonah, reluctant to go to unbelievers because they do or think I understand to be contrary to what God says it right? Isn’t that like a doctor or nurse not wanting to help someone because they’re sick? Do I want them to “get what they deserve”, or do I take joy in their repentance? Jesus went to everyone who needed Him (Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:32).
The words of the nineteenth century evangelist Charles H. Spurgeon still ring true today. “Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay, and not madly to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”
Lord, give me Your heart, Your eyes, and Your compassion for all those around me.
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