Romans 9:2-3 “…I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren…”

What makes you really sad?

Imagine a circle of relationships around your life. In the middle of this circle is your life. For most of us, our response grows more intense the closer tragedy strikes. Troubles on the fringes of our world (like slavery in Sudan or persecution in India) do not concern us as much.

Paul loved those close to him. But he grieved continuously for those outside of Christ. His circle of compassion ranged wide and far. Tears were shed. Cries were made to heaven. A burden was borne.

Do we cry over the people next door who don’t know Christ? Do we groan under the weight of spiritual concern for the men and women we work beside? Do we weep for our lost employer? Do we ask God to light up the darkened souls in our city and in our world?

To be like Paul means drawing the circle of our love and compassion to include anyone with a spiritual need. To have a heart for God will lead to God’s heart. Are you ready?