Luke 15. In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners. In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)]. In each, the lost is found and there is rejoicing (5,9,23). Jesus experienced this joy over the rescue of the lost, and shared the joy with the Father and his angels in heaven (7,10).
Evangelism gives us an opportunity to display the fruit of the Holy Spirit within us:
- love in seeking them out,
- joy when they respond to the gospel,
- peace that they are now reconciled to their judge,
- patience for all the times they refuse to hear the gospel, or respond to it,
- kindness toward them when they expect indifference or hatred,
- goodness when they mistreat us and expect retaliation,
- faithfulness in preaching the message of grace when they keep ignoring it,
- gentleness when they expect rebuke for their willful disobedience,
- self-control when they do things to provoke us.
LORD, give us opportunities today to experience the joy of reaching the lost with the gospel – a joy we can share with you.
Devotions 