Paul confesses: 'I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race.' This is intercession at its deepest—a willingness to sacrifice yourself for others.
I'm a missionary working with a group of people who are largely rejecting the gospel. I watch them struggle. I watch them choose paths that will harm them spiritually. And sometimes the sorrow is unbearable. I pray: 'God, take my blessing if it means they'll come to know you.' I understand Paul's anguish.
It's taught me that compassion can't stay distant. If you genuinely love people, their rejection of Jesus will wound you. Not because you're arrogant about your faith. But because you understand the consequences. Paul loved his people deeply. So he anguished. That anguish is the proof of genuine love.
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