Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Isaiah 60:1-62:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalm 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-12

Do I Love Them Enough?

---

“Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.” (Proverbs 24:11–12, NLT)

---

Who is the one “unjustly sentenced to die” for me today? For you? Perhaps it is the one who is ignorant — the one who doesn’t know the truth, doesn’t realize there is hope, or doesn’t understand that forgiveness and freedom are possible. If only they had a defender and Mediator against their accuser, Satan.

That’s where we come in. It is our calling as believers not to remain silent while others stagger toward death. Too often, we excuse ourselves — “It’s uncomfortable. It’s not my place. They wouldn’t listen. I don’t even like them.” But God sees. He knows our hearts. He knows when we turn away. “He who guards your soul knows you knew” (Proverbs 24:12, NLT).

And here is the key: we act not out of duty, but out of love. We love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). His love fills us so that it can pour out toward others. If we don’t feel that love, then we must pray and ask God to help us see people as He does, to soften our hearts with His compassion, and to let His love move through us. When we see them through His eyes, we cannot help but care enough to act.

Jesus Christ is the Mediator they desperately need (1 Timothy 2:5). And we have the responsibility — and the privilege — of introducing them to Him. To point to the One who forgives, redeems, and saves. Silence is not an option. To withhold truth because of discomfort or dislike is to abandon them to destruction. To love is to act.

Yes, it may be hard. Yes, it may be awkward. But God Himself promises to go with us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NLT). He will give us the words, courage, and love we need to speak life into someone else’s death march. So let us march in love and devotion — march forward with God as our Captain, leading us in truth and victory.

Action (5 Minutes with God)

1. Ask God: Who in my life is “staggering to their death” without knowing Christ?
   • Journal what He whispers to you by His Holy Spirit.
2. Ask God: “What do you want me to know about that?”
   • Journal what He whispers to you by His Holy Spirit.
3. Ask God: What do you want me to do?”
   • Journal what He whispers to you by His Holy Spirit then do it!

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to see those around me who are staggering toward destruction. Fill me with Your love so that it overflows into compassion for others. Forgive me for the times I stayed silent out of fear, comfort, or pride. Teach me to see people the way You see them, and to love them the way You love them. Give me courage to speak truth in love, to point people to Jesus Christ, the only Mediator and Savior. Let me not turn away from those who are perishing, but strengthen me to step in with boldness, grace, and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 💎

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.