I was a grade-schooler when my mother started keeping Charlie. It helped his parents and provided additional income for our family.
Charlie’s story is not mine to share, but he had already faced much tragedy and sorrow. He needed to be loved and feel loved.
Charlie adored me, but I considered him a rival for my mother’s love.
He acted like he was a part of my family! He would beg to stay with us even when his parents weren’t working. I came to resent him with a passion I’m not proud to admit.
While reading the end of Jonah, I realized I can foster those same feelings in my relationship with God. Any time I don’t share His Good News of salvation, I’m basically saying, “Get your own family!”
You’re right!
I cannot choose salvation for anyone else.
I cannot invite Jesus Christ to be LORD in their lives.
I cannot walk by Holy Spirit for them.
But…
I can tell them the Good News of Jesus and invite them to become my brother or sister in God’s family (Romans 10:14-15).
I can genuinely desire for them to escape eternal death (Romans 3:23).
I can tell them their sin has been paid for by Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).
I can value them, be available to them, and let my light shine brightly at all times. Praying they will see and call on the LORD for salvation (Romans 10:9-10 & 13)
I can point the way to safe harbor in Jesus, who is our salvation.
“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He calmed the storm to a whisper
and stilled the waves.
What a blessing was that stillness
as he brought them safely into harbor! Psalm 107:28-30
I’ve spent the morning thanking God, for the blessing of being His daughter, for His continuing mercy and compassion for me, His slowness to anger and overwhelming grace. I have so much to be thankful for, and my Father desires to give those same good gifts to those around me.
So I’m asking Him for a generous heart. A heart that genuinely wants others to know Him as their own Abba Father. I’m asking for a willingness to share Him with others, and not begrudge anyone the opportunity to experience the joy of His salvation or the abundant life He has for them. I’m praying my Father will teach me to love others as He loves me. And, yes! I know I’m asking for a multitude of miracles when I ask those things of Him!!!
How about you? Are you a member of God’s family? If you are, do you freely invest in others and invite them to be a part of our family too? If you’re unsure of whether you’re a member of God’s family, I’d be delighted to share the Good News with you or answer any questions you may have. (No, I don’t have all the answers, but I have others I can ask for help in finding them.)
Charlie’s name is fictional to protect his identity!