I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. (Romans 9)
To a lot of people, it seemed like Paul had turned his back on his Jewish people. He was spending less and less time with them, and more with Gentile converts to Christ. At times, discussions got intense - even downright life-threatening, when they would talk "religion". But He still deeply loved his family, his country, his fellow Israelites. He was thankful for his heritage, both nationally and spiritually. He was especially thankful that the Messiah, the Christ, was one of them. Despite accusations of "abandoning ship" to join the Jesus people, he did want to see the best for his fellow Jews. His heart ached that by and large they had rejected their Messiah. He never really turned his back on them. How about us? Have we turned our back on family, friends, community as we have found a new family of faith? Do they know we still love them, even though they have not yet as come to faith in Christ? Do they know we are thankful for all they have invested in our lives? Do we still have an open door to show them that God loves them even more than we do, and has demonstrated that in Christ? Let them know you still love and care about them, and only want to share with them the best thing that ever happened to you.
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