I don't believe that Jesus has called us to convert the whole world into Christians, where everyone receives Jesus into their life and accepts him as Lord and Saviour, grows in faith and knowledge and continues that process of evangelism and if someone we share with rejects the faith, we continue to share and pray for their salvation. This used to be my mindset, and though I don't do this actively nowadays, I still believe in this concept (mostly).
I think we have got it all wrong. Well, I got it all wrong. This revelation came on the flight home as I was reading about how our joy can be made complete in Christ. When Jesus came, his second most important commandment was for us is to love others as we love ourselves. I used to think "loving" them means to share the good news with them so they can taste God's goodness for themselves. And I used to think "others" meant firstly people I love and know; family members, good friends, friends, acquaintances, then the following group- the homeless, the refugees, the illiterate, the hungry, the elderly, the handicapped, the chronically ill, the prisoners and the countless people suffering under emotional stress.
It is no wonder that our family members and friends are the least easy to share with regarding God's love. They do not see the need to rely on God because of the false security they get from their possessions. You know why people who are ill and on the death bed easiest to reach out to? They know they need a power greater than themselves to live beyond their condition. And it is precisely the above group of people that we should be seeking out to show love to. Because of their life circumstances, many have lost hope in life. They question their purpose of existence. Only the knowledge of the love of God for them can help them experience the reconciliation, healing, peace and goodness of God for themselves. A new purpose and direction for this next season of life? Perhaps.
"What have you done for the least of mine?"
Matt 25: 35-45
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