When You Stop Caring About the Lost | Thursday

Devotional

God asked Jonah a question at the end of the book that was never answered. He pointed to a city of 120,000 people who did not know Him and asked, should I not care about them? The question hangs in the air, unanswered, because it was never really meant for Jonah alone.

It is meant for us too.

One of the clearest signs that we have drifted from the heart of God is that we stop caring about people who are far from Him. Not in a dramatic, obvious way. It happens slowly. We get busy. We get comfortable. We stop noticing the people around us who are hurting, searching, or simply lost. 

Jonah grieved a plant. He felt nothing for a city. That is what forgetting grace does to a person. It shrinks your world down to what directly affects you.

But Jesus came so that people might have life, and have it to the full. He left the comfort of heaven to reach people who did not deserve it, including you and me. When we remember that, it is impossible to stay indifferent to the people around us who are still searching for what we have already found.

You do not have to go to Nineveh. Start with the people right in front of you.

Bible Verse

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

Reflection Question

Think of someone in your life who does not yet know God. When did you last genuinely pray for them or take a step toward them with the love of Christ?

Quote

One of the greatest indicators of drifting from the heart of God is that you do not care about the lost.

Prayer

Jesus, forgive me for the times I have been indifferent to the people around me who are lost. Open my eyes to see them the way You do, and give me the courage to move toward them with Your love.