The Affection of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:8. “For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Paul’s affection for those believers was deep and sincere, not just shallow and meaningless words. He could tell them with God as his witness that his intense love for them was like the love Jesus had for His own, whom He “loved to the end.” His love was fair, without limits, and without exceptions.
We read the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and learn how deeply and compassionately He cared for His own disciples. He also looked upon the multitudes with love and compassion as, from His divine nature, He shared not only miraculous fish and bread but also His words of life and truth. When they rejected His call to faith, He was grieved in His heart because He knew their true worth.
May I never view rejection with anger or disdain because people don’t believe what I say. May I always see young and old people as equal in value and importance to God. May the love of Jesus Christ be reflected in my attitude, words, and actions. May others see Christ in me so that they are inspired to become Christians too.
We read in the Bible that a young, wealthy man who wanted eternal life came to the Lord Jesus. When the Lord gave him His answer to the question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” the wealthy young man considered the cost too high. Jesus watched him walk away and loved him just the same, knowing that many people would always reject Him for friends, wealth, and fame. We read that the Lord Jesus Christ wept over Jerusalem when the people there rejected Him as their King. He knew they didn’t realize the consequences that their rejection would bring upon them. He looked into the future with tears streaming down His face because He could see the time ahead when no stone would be left in its place.
There are people I know who come close to the door, and they have also rejected both the Gospel and me, the messenger, believing they have simply postponed acting in faith for now but think the opportunity will come again. I feel sadness mixed with love for those who carelessly rejected Him. There are towns I have driven through where the Gospel was presented, and because of religious prejudice, it was rejected. There is no interest, even though I know many people there by name and have visited their homes. My heart goes out to those who have refused to repent of their sins and accept God’s salvation for themselves personally.
On the cross, forsaken and alone, the Lord Jesus prayed that those who crucified Him might be forgiven because of their ignorance. Impartially, He still responded, and a hell-bound thief went to heaven. He never spoke with bitterness, even when He was suffering excruciating pain. His affection remained intact. The deep yearning and love for His Father and us surrounded His every act.
Like their Lord, the soul-winner’s heart reaches out to others; he deeply loves the lost. Often, he will go to great lengths, not considering what it might cost him in time, money, emotional, and physical suffering. The names of many martyrs and faithful laborers will someday be known when the Lord rewards His own servants who prioritize the needs of others over their own.