Plead for the Unsaved Nearest to You

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites… – Romans 9:3,4

These people for whom Paul was in so much concern were his kinsfolk according to the flesh. It is well said that charity must begin at home, for he that does not care for his own household is worse than a heathen and a publican. He who does not desire the salvation of those who are his own kin, “how dwells the love of God in him?” Christianity is expansive—it makes the bosom glow with love to all that God has made—but, at the same time, our love does not expand so as to lose force, and this is seen when it turns its power towards those who are nearest home. Is your husband unsaved? O Woman, love him to Christ! Is your child unconverted? O Parent, pray that child to Christ! Are your neighbors still out of Christ? Lay them on your heart as an intercessor before God on their account—and cease not to plead till they are saved!

We may regard those for whom he prayed, in the next light, as persons of great privileges—a very important point. They had privileges by birth— “who are Israelites.” Many of you are highly favored. You are not Israelites, but you are the children of godly parents which is much the same thing…You have the privilege of being born in the midst of holy and gracious influences—an advantage not to be despised. If there are any people we ought to pray for above others, it seems to me they are the unconverted who live in the light but will not see—who have the bread of Heaven upon the table before them but will not eat—who have Free Grace and dying love sounding in their ears, but yet refuse the wondrous message of Grace! Beloved, let us not rest unless we feel a deep concern for those who stand on a par with Israelites, since they have the privilege of being born under a Christian roof. ~ C.H. Spurgeon

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/spurgeon_charles/sermons/1425.cfm

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