Developing a Heart for the Lost: Our Primary Mission as Christians

Lord, Break My Heart for the Lost

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:24-26

The above scripture captures the essence of this article. As Christians, we have been called to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. Unfortunately, we often do not have the heart for the lost. We are content with our comfortable lives and forget that our primary mission is to reach out to those who are yet to know Christ.

What Does it Mean to Have a Heart for the Lost?

Having a heart for the lost means having a deep and genuine concern for the eternal destiny of those who do not know Jesus Christ. It means being burdened by the fact that millions of people are headed for eternal damnation because they have not received the gift of salvation.

Having a heart for the lost means being willing to go out of our way to share the gospel with those who have not heard it. It means being willing to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort to ensure that people come to know Christ.

Ultimately, having a heart for the lost means having the same compassion for them that Jesus had. When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). We too should be moved with compassion for those who are lost in sin.

Why Do We Need a Heart for the Lost?

There are several reasons why we need a heart for the lost.

1. It is Our Primary Mission

Our primary mission as Christians is to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This means that we are called to go out into the world and share the gospel with those who have not heard it. We cannot fulfill this mission without having a heart for the lost.

2. It is a Commandment

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This includes our unsaved neighbors. We cannot claim to love our neighbors and yet be content with their eternal damnation. We must have a heart for the lost if we are to obey this commandment.

3. It is a Sign of Spiritual Maturity

Having a heart for the lost is a sign of spiritual maturity. It shows that we have grown beyond our own interests and are concerned about the things that matter to God. It shows that we have a deep understanding of the gospel and its implications for our lives and the lives of those around us.

4. It Brings Joy and Fulfillment

There is no greater joy than seeing someone come to know Christ. When we have a heart for the lost and actively share the gospel with them, we experience the joy of seeing lives transformed by the power of God. This brings us a sense of fulfillment that cannot be found anywhere else.

How Can We Develop a Heart for the Lost?

Developing a heart for the lost is not something that happens overnight. It is a process that takes time, effort, and a willingness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Here are some practical steps we can take to develop a heart for the lost:

1. Pray

Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with God. We cannot hope to develop a heart for the lost without first seeking God's guidance and direction. We should pray for a deep and genuine concern for the souls of those who do not know Christ. We should pray for opportunities to share the gospel with them. And we should pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all that we do.

2. Study the Scriptures

The Bible is God's word to us. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. We should study the scriptures regularly to gain a deeper understanding of God's heart for the lost and His desire for us to reach out to them.

3. Spend Time with Unbelievers

If we are to have a heart for the lost, we must be willing to spend time with them. We should seek out opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers and show them the love of Christ. We should listen to their stories, share our own, and look for ways to minister to them.

4. Be Intentional About Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the gospel with unbelievers should not be an afterthought. It should be a deliberate and intentional part of our lives. We should look for opportunities to share the gospel with those around us, whether it be through our words or our actions.

5. Seek Accountability

Developing a heart for the lost is not something we can do alone. We need the support and accountability of other believers to help us stay focused and motivated. We should seek out accountability partners who share our desire to reach the lost and who will encourage us in our efforts.

Conclusion

Having a heart for the lost is not an option for Christians. It is a commandment, a sign of spiritual maturity, and the foundation of our primary mission. Developing a heart for the lost takes time and effort, but it is a journey that is well worth taking. We must pray, study the scriptures, spend time with unbelievers, be intentional about sharing the gospel, and seek accountability. When we do these things, we will find that our hearts are transformed, and we are able to share the gospel with a passion and conviction that can only come from God.

“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” – Luke 10:2