2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
When we think about our loved ones and their salvation, it can be incredibly painful to see them resist the gospel. It’s natural to want to share the truth with them, to help them see that Jesus has already done all the work, that it’s not about our obedience but about His perfect obedience. But when they don’t accept this message, it can leave us feeling frustrated, lonely, and even fearful for their eternal future.
A friend of mine recently shared a similar struggle. He’s been trying to share the gospel with his family, but they just don’t seem to get it. They read the Bible, yet they continue to believe that their own works are what save them, not the finished work of Jesus. This has led to arguments and a lot of heartache, and now he’s questioning their salvation. He’s even starting to wonder if they’ll ever accept the gospel before it’s too late.
I'm sure every one of us has experienced these types of thoughts.
I want everyone to understand something today, Jesus has it all under control. He's the savior of this world and that includes your loved ones! The gospel is simple—believing in Jesus is what saves us, not anything we do.
And just as He reached you, He can reach them too.
This verse reminds us that the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t match up with ours. We want our loved ones to understand the gospel right now, but God is saying "not yet".
Let us not place a period, where God places a comma.
I've learned over the years that the seeds I plant by sharing the gospel and living out my faith does not go to waste. God is at work, even when you can’t see it but it requires faith to believe it.
It’s easy to get frustrated when your loved ones don’t seem to accept the truth you’re sharing. But remember, they truly don't understand the gospel yet. They might be clinging to what they’ve been taught or what feels comfortable. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, knows exactly what they need to hear and when they need to hear it. Be patient with them, just as Jesus is patient with us. Continue to pray for them, trusting that God is working in their hearts. Prayer is powerful, and God hears every prayer you lift up for your family.
I promise you Jesus is moving in ways you can’t even imagine, softening hearts and opening minds to the truth little by little.
One of the hardest things is to see our loved ones reject the gospel and start to doubt whether they’ll ever be saved. But remember this: Jesus finished the work on the cross. His sacrifice was perfect, and it’s powerful enough to save anyone who believes, even if it takes time for that belief to take root.
It’s natural to feel afraid that your loved ones might pass away without fully embracing the gospel. But remember, fear is not from God. The enemy plants thoughts that make you distrust God. We must rememeber that God is faithful and capable. He is more than able to save anyone, we just have to believe.
He is the Good Shepherd who goes after the lost sheep, and He will not let any of His own slip through His hands.
Your job is to continue loving them by denying yourself and what you see. Pray for them regularly, and ask God to give you patience and wisdom as you interact with them. Remember that their salvation is in God's hands, not ours.
Believe in order to receive and you live happily around them!