A Heart for the Lost

A Heart for the Lost

Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “I feel as if I lost my hope and lost my life, unless I find for my Lord some of his blood-bought ones…. I would sooner bring one sinner to Jesus Christ than unpack all the mysteries of the divine Word, for salvation is the thing we are to live for.”

Charles Spurgeon’s words remind us of something that should remain close to the heart of every follower of Christ: people need Jesus.

Spurgeon compares sharing the Gospel to a fisherman going out to catch fish. There may be seasons when the fisherman works faithfully but sees very little fruit. He may cast his net again and again without bringing in the catch he hoped for. Yet a true fisherman does not stop fishing simply because the results are small.

The same is true in evangelism.

There may be people you have prayed for year after year. You have shared Christ with them, loved them, encouraged them, and tried to live your faith before them. Yet they still have not surrendered their lives to Jesus. At times, that can become discouraging.

But keep casting the net.

Jesus told Peter and Andrew:

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19

Spurgeon’s words also challenge us to examine what matters most to us. Studying Scripture deeply is important. Sound doctrine matters. Growing in our knowledge of God is essential. But our knowledge of Scripture should never leave us with full minds and unmoved hearts.

The deeper we grow in Christ, the greater our love should become for people who do not know Him.

When we truly begin to understand the grace that rescued us, the cross where Jesus gave Himself for us, and the mercy God has shown us, something should stir within our hearts: Lord, I want others to know You too.

That is the heart behind Spurgeon’s statement that he would rather bring one sinner to Christ than understand all the mysteries of God’s Word. He was not diminishing Scripture. Rather, he was expressing the tremendous value of a soul and his burning desire that people come to know the Savior.

Jesus Himself demonstrated this heart:

“for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

Church, may we never become comfortable simply sitting inside our churches while people around us desperately need Jesus. There are hurting people in our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, communities, and everyday encounters. Some may appear to have everything together while inwardly they are searching for hope.

May our prayer become:

“Lord Jesus, give me Your heart for the lost. Help me never become so comfortable in my own salvation that I forget those who still need to hear about You. Give me compassion, courage, and opportunities to share Your Gospel. And when I become discouraged because I do not see immediate results, help me remain faithful and keep casting the net. Use my life to point someone to You.”

We may not always see the harvest immediately. Our responsibility is to remain faithful. God is the One who gives the increase.

Keep praying.

Keep loving.

Keep sharing Jesus.

Keep casting the net.

One soul matters to God. And because that soul matters to Him, that soul should matter deeply to us.

Written by Joseph T. Lee; Copyright ©️ 2026 Marketplace Evangelism Ministries Inc. All Rights Reserved.