For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.” vs. 3
Romans 9:1-5
Midway through his letter to the Romans, after having described justification by faith in excruciating detail, Paul offers a section on Israel’s election as the chosen people of God. He tells the church in Rome that it breaks his heart that so many of his kindred, according to the flesh, had turned their backs on the gospel of Christ. There have many through the years who have resonated with Paul’s words. While we may not feel the anguish to the extent that he did, our hearts do grow heavy as we think of our own kin, our own flesh and blood, who have chosen to walk away from the faith in which they were reared. We wish that our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and grandchildren could have the same Jesus connection that we have grown to enjoy. It’s not that we’re afraid they’re going to hell, we know that they can never fall out of God’s love, but we do wish they could have the consolations that faith can bring to restless souls. Sometimes we may even feel some guilt and wonder if perhaps we’re responsible for their decision to walk in another way. Often there’s little we can do to change them or their choices, but we can pray, and so we do, and then take every opportunity to model the unconditional love of God.
Thought for the Day: Why do I worry about my kindred’s faith?
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