Romans 9-11 - Loving Our Own

Today, Tuesday March 02 Romans 9-11 – Loving Our Own The Apostle Paul was considered by many to be a traitor to his own people, the Jews. As you study the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul it is clear that his calling and work was mainly to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. But several times in this Book of Romans, Paul defends and declares his great passion and love for his own nation and people. Romans 9:1-4 “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites….” It appears Paul is saying that he is willing to give up his salvation and go to hell for eternity if that would bring his people to saving faith in Jesus Christ. He starts out chapter 10 with these similar words, “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” This should challenge us to really think about how much we really care about the salvation of our family members and those closest to us! It was mainly the Jewish people that sought to kill Paul and inflicted tremendous persecution on him any and everywhere he went. But he still loved them and was willing to give his life to see them believe and by faith to call upon the name of the Lord to be saved! Today, we should pray that the Lord to give us a passion and burden that would motivate us day and night, to love and pray for our family, our friends, our neighbors, our nation, and for all those that the Lord might bring us into contact with. And to live in such a way that Jesus Christ might shine through our lives to them too! How is the Lord speaking to you today? God Bless!