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To fully embrace the call to missions, we must learn to see the lost as Christ does. Too often, we view people through a worldly lens, defining them by their outward appearances, their choices, or their successes and failures. But Jesus looked beyond the surface—He saw their eternal souls, their brokenness, and their need for salvation. Matthew 9:36 gives us a powerful glimpse into the heart of Christ: “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” Jesus wasn’t indifferent to the lost—He was moved to action. His compassion led Him to teach, to heal, and ultimately, to give His life for those who were wandering in spiritual darkness.

One of the greatest hindrances to evangelism is a lack of genuine compassion for the lost. It’s easy to become calloused or indifferent, especially when people reject the gospel or live in open rebellion against God. But 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s heart toward sinners: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” If we are to follow Christ’s example, we must also develop a burden for those who are perishing. When we see people through God’s eyes, we recognize that behind every hardened heart is a soul in desperate need of grace. Instead of being frustrated with those who reject the truth, we should be moved to intercede for them and seek ways to share the gospel with love and patience.

This eternal perspective should shape the way we interact with those around us. Every person we meet is someone Christ died for, and we may be the only messenger of the gospel they will ever encounter. Colossians 4:5-6 instructs us, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Whether it’s a family member, a coworker, or even a stranger, we should approach every interaction with the mindset that this could be an opportunity to plant a seed for Christ. Our compassion should compel us to pray, to serve, and to speak boldly about the hope of salvation.

Today, ask God to help you see people through His eyes. Let compassion move you to action, whether that means lifting someone up in prayer, showing kindness in a practical way, or seizing the moment to share the gospel. The world is full of lost souls—sheep without a shepherd—who need the love of Christ. May we never grow indifferent to their need, but instead, may we be faithful in pointing them to the Savior. Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus today?