Top Five:

Recently, my Sunday School teacher asked the class, "How do you cultivate compassion for the lost?" I have been chewing on this question for the past two weeks, and finally have an answer. Here is my top five ways to cultivate compassion for the lost:
5) Pray!

• Pray for the lost in your Jerusalem (family members, friends, neighbors, etc.)
• Pray for the lost in your Judea (Co-workers, Servers at restaurants, Barista at local coffee shop, etc.)
• Pray for the lost in your Samaria (Governor, Senator, President, Congress, etc.)
• Pray for the lost at the end of the world (Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Mormons, Atheists, etc.)

4) Read your Bible!

• Begin in the Gospels and study the life of Christ. Notice the times He has compassion on the multitudes, watch as He heals the sick, comforts the brokenhearted, and saves the lost. The more you study the Bible, the more you will see that God's heart is for the lost and the more your heart will begin to look like God's.

3) Soak in the Gospel!

• Study Ephesians 2:1-10
• See your life before Christ; 2:1-3
• See your life in Christ; 2:4-9
• See your life with Christ; 2:10

2) Surround yourself with individuals who already have a compassion for the lost.

• Evangelism is contagious. If you get around others who love to witness you will begin to share your faith as well.
• Get together a group of friends and go out with the intention of sharing your faith. There is strength in numbers.
• Read biographies of soul-winners.
• Find a soul-winner in your church and learn from him or her.

1) Share your faith.

• The easiest way to cultivate compassion for the lost is to begin to witness.
• Start by smiling at strangers, saying hi, and asking them how their day is going.
• Buy Gospel tracts and begin handing them out. People love free stuff! Here is a great site with catchy, fun Gospel tracts...www.livingwaters.com
• Share your faith with total strangers. If they don't listen or they are rude, no worries because you will never see them again.
• Share your faith with your family members, co-workers, and neighbors. Remember their eternal destiny is at stake!

If you implement these five strategies into your daily Christian life, you will cultivate compassion for the lost. Now GO, share your faith while there is still time!