“I tell the truth … my conscience also bearing me witness … I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren.”—Romans 9:1–3 NKJV

Paul’s feelings were so strong that he was not sure others would believe him. So he assured them that he was telling the truth, that he was not lying, that his conscience bore witness in the Spirit, and that he had “great sorrow and continual grief” in his heart. What was so important? The Jews’ response to the Gospel. He was even willing to exchange his salvation for theirs. If it were possible, he would sacrifice himself on behalf of the Jews and himself be cursed by God. That was the degree of his passion. Yes, Paul cared deeply about the Jews, his people. But he was also demonstrating his commitment to God and His Kingdom. He knew that the Gospel message was true, and he realized the implications for those who rejected salvation. Paul had dedicated his life and everything he had to reach people with the Gospel. Today, God looks for people with that same kind of dedication to and that same passion for the Gospel. He looks for people whose hearts break at the thought of others going to hell without Jesus, who are willing to sacrifice that others might be saved. Right now, ask God to search your heart and give you a passion to reach the lost. Dedicate your resources to spreading the Gospel. Make it your prayer to seek Him first.

Reflection Question: Write a list of people with whom you are sharing the Gospel.

“Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest.”—John 4:35 NASB

Jews and Samaritans were not just hostile neighbors. They were outright enemies. On occasion, Samaritans were known to kidnap Jews traveling through Samaria on their way to Jerusalem—even selling some into slavery. Jesus saw a harvest field instead of hostilities when looking at Samaritans. He was willing to talk with them—even a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. When the disciples returned from looking for food, they could not understand why He would talk with such people. But Jesus was not worried about how other people reacted. He focused on doing the will of the Father to reach people who needed salvation. When the disciples questioned Him, Jesus told them to open their eyes. They needed to let God free them of their prejudices, so they could see the world in a new way. They needed to be filled with compassion. The fields are still white and ready for harvest. Where are these fields? They are all around us—people we know, circumstances in which we are comfortable, our homes, communities, and places of employment. But these fields also include people from different cultures, people with whom we have had differences, strangers, and people we might even consider enemies. Ask God to let His Spirit help you see the world in a new light. Let Him show you the people you can touch. Those people are your harvest fields.

Reflection Question:Where are your personal mission fields ready for harvest?