“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” – Romans 10:1
In Romans 10:1, Paul writes, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” This isn’t just a passing wish—it’s a deep cry from a man who once persecuted the very gospel he now preaches. Earlier in Romans 9, Paul even said he would give up his own salvation if it meant his fellow Israelites could be saved. That’s not rhetoric—that’s love. It’s the kind of humility that lays down pride, comfort, and even life for the sake of another’s soul. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” and Paul lived that truth. His humility was fueled by love—a love that mirrors Christ’s own, who laid down His life not just for friends, but for enemies.
This kind of caring humility isn’t reserved for apostles. It’s the call of every believer. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). While some may do this literally, most of us are called to die daily—to our pride, our preferences, our comfort—for the sake of others. Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation… and became obedient to the point of death.” That’s the model. Paul endured beatings, rejection, and hardship from the very people he longed to see saved. And yet, he kept praying, kept preaching, kept loving. That’s the heart of Christ beating in a man who refused to give up on those who misunderstood him.
Jesus showed this same humility in the garden, when Peter tried to defend Him with a sword. He said, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). But He didn’t call for angels. He chose the cross. Why? Because love restrained Him. Love for the Father’s plan. Love for the world. Love for you. That’s the kind of humility we’re called to—one that doesn’t retaliate, doesn’t demand recognition, but quietly serves and prays for the salvation of others. Paul’s example challenges us: are we willing to be misunderstood, rejected, even wounded, if it means someone else might come to know Christ? That’s caring humility. And it’s the kind that changes lives.
“Paul’s love for his people was no mere sentiment; it was a passion that drove him to his knees. His heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel was that they might be saved. This is the true spirit of evangelism—not condemnation, but compassion.” – J.D. Jones
surrendered devotions 