May 18: Sacrificing for Others
(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
Think for just a moment about those you know who have not made a personal commitment to Christ. How much would you be willing to sacrifice for them in order for them to experience salvation? Now, think about the countless others you may not know who have never made a personal commitment to Christ. How much would you be willing to sacrifice for them?
In Romans 9:2-3, Paul makes a startling statement. He writes, My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
Surely, there would be other Jewish descendants Paul knew and loved deeply. But there would also be countless others he didn’t know. Yet Paul still says he would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ – if that would save them.
The Life Application Study Bible notes, “How concerned are you for those who don’t know Christ? Are you willing to sacrifice your time, money, energy, comfort, and safety to see them come to faith in Jesus?”
READING & JOURNALING:
How concerned are you for those who don’t know Christ? Are you willing to sacrifice your time, money, energy, comfort, and safety to see them come to faith in Jesus?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I know I would be willing to give something of myself for the salvation of others, but I don’t know if I would be like Paul – willing to be forever cursed – for the salvation of others. Help me to grow in my ability to think of myself less and to think of the eternal salvation of others more. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: John 11 & Matthew 21:1-13
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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