John 6:66-67 KJV
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Jesus never begged people to change or stay in his life and neither should you! In this passage of scripture above he was ministering to those following him. They perceived his message as hard and became offended. They turned back and followed him no more. His response was not to chase them down or beg them to stay, but to simply let them go. Can you follow in Jesus’ steps?
I am so passionate about this topic because I have watched so many well meaning Christians get hurt repeatedly and unnecessarily. In the name of love, they will chase and even beg people to stay in their lives at any and all cost. I have never seen this change even one person. Until a person chooses to surrender their life to Jesus, nothing will get better.
I have learned some of these things the hard way. I have spent countless hours praying for people who I knew needed God, but wanted nothing to do with him at the time. I realized that I wanted them to change much more than they wanted to change. I grew very frustrated. One day the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Don’t be upset that they won’t listen to you, they don’t listen to me either.” This changed my perspective.
Today, when I run into people this way, I no longer beg them to stay, I just love them and let them walk away. Yes, I still pray for them and will still help them when they are ready, but I move on to those who want help right now.
Don’t lose sight of those around you who need Jesus because your focus is still on those who’ve rejected him!
Thank you Pastor. I really needed that this morning.