EVANGELISM IS TO LOVE OTHERS' SOULS

Luke 10:1-20

Many churches today are forgetting the importance of evangelism—and sadly, so are many Christians. But the church is not merely a building; it is a community of people who follow Jesus’ teachings. Jesus has sent us into the world to make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and teach them everything He has commanded us.

This is the heart of evangelism. Without it, the church cannot truly exist. Even if we cannot lead someone to Jesus directly, we can always pray for them, trusting in God’s goodness to guide them—because evangelism is ultimately about loving others’ souls.

In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). There are many souls hungry for God—seeking meaning, yearning for something deeper—and they need someone to share the good news with them. This is where we come in. We are called to invite people to Jesus with boldness and faithfulness, just as He instructed His followers.

Jesus knew this mission would not be easy. He told the seventy disciples, “I am sending you out as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3). He was preparing them for the opposition and danger they would face. Evangelism is not easy. We will encounter challenges and rejections along the way. But for my example, even when people reject me, I thank them for their time and move on to others.

When the disciples returned from their mission, they were filled with stories of miracles, healing, and powerful experiences. They didn’t focus on the towns that had rejected them or the times they went hungry. When there is a greater purpose behind our work—when we find ultimate fulfillment in serving God—the hardships become insignificant.

When they were full of joy, Jesus reminded them of something even more important: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

To illustrate this, I want to share a story I often use:

The Starfish Story

An old man was walking along the beach at dawn when he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. The old man asked, “Why are you doing that? There are miles and miles of beach and millions of starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The young man looked at the starfish in his hand, threw it into the waves, and replied, “It made a difference to that one.”

In the same way, evangelism may seem like a small or insignificant act. But every soul we touch, every life we influence, matters to God. Even if our efforts seem small, they make a difference to God.

The apostle Paul writes, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Evangelism may seem foolish to the world, but for us, it is the very means by which God brings salvation. God has chosen to use us—even in our weakness—to share Jesus’ message of love and redemption.

I believe the Holy Spirit is still at work today, just as He was with the seventy disciples in our gospel reading. He empowers us to preach, teach, heal, cast out demons, and share the good news.

Evangelism is not limited to preaching in a church building or handing out tracts. It is about welcoming people into a community where the gospel is shared. Jesus calls us into His harvest and commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. This is a call to every nation, tribe, language, and people to enter God’s kingdom. It is a call to love every soul and to offer them God’s salvation. Evangelism means continually welcoming newcomers until they feel truly part of our fellowship.

God desires that everyone be saved. The true blessing is not found in the wealth of this world or in its fleeting pleasures, but in being used by God to further God’s kingdom and to bring more souls into God’s eternal embrace.

We know that evangelism requires deep commitment—it demands our hearts and souls. To be effective, we must firmly choose to follow Jesus, no matter the cost, and commit ourselves to prayer. As Paul says, we are to proclaim the gospel “whether the time is favorable or unfavorable” (2 Timothy 4:2). Remember, God always goes before us to guide us. If we are willing to be witnesses for Jesus Christ, God will take care of the rest—and the rewards will be eternal.

May the Holy Spirit empower us to abide in Jesus and His words every day. May He guide us in our mission to love others’ souls by sharing the gospel with boldness and compassion. And may our evangelism bring glory to God. May it be so for you and for me. Amen.

Let us take a moment of silent reflection to examine our commitment to the Lord:

Gracious and loving God, we believe that nothing is impossible with You. Please open our hearts and minds to accept Your calling. Make us Your faithful instruments in evangelism, sharing Your love through our church’s mission. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Evangelism Is Loving Others’ Souls”

Luke 10:1–20

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Luke 10:2). Many people are searching for hope, meaning, and love. Evangelism isn’t about arguing or judging—it’s about loving others’ souls enough to share the good news of Jesus.

It’s not always easy. Jesus warned, “I am sending you out as lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3). We may face rejection, but we’re called to keep going, trusting God to work through us. Every person we reach matters to God.

Evangelism is more than preaching. It’s welcoming people into a community where they can know Jesus. It’s praying, caring, and sharing hope.

God wants everyone to be saved. The real blessing is being part of God’s mission to bring souls into God’s kingdom.

May the Holy Spirit help us love boldly, share faithfully, and bring glory to God in all we do. Amen.

“Gracious God, use us to share Your love and hope. Help us love others’ souls as You do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”