What actions can we take to align with God's will in Matthew 18:14? Grasping the Father’s Desire “In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14) Why It Matters This verse sits in a section where Jesus highlights the infinite worth of every person—especially the humble, vulnerable, and easily overlooked. If the Father refuses to lose even one, our lives must reflect the same resolve. Actions That Align Us with God’s Will • Value every soul as priceless. – See people through the lens of Calvary’s cost (1 Peter 1:18-19). – Speak and act in ways that affirm dignity, never dismissing or belittling “little ones,” whether children, new believers, or society’s marginalized. • Guard their faith—remove stumbling blocks. – “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck…” (Matthew 18:6). – Examine entertainment choices, teaching, attitudes, and online interactions; eliminate anything that could trip up tender consciences (Romans 14:13). • Pursue the straying. – Follow the Shepherd’s pattern in the preceding parable (Matthew 18:12-13). – Reach out quickly when someone drifts—texts, calls, personal visits. Love refuses to write people off (Galatians 6:1). • Cultivate childlike humility. – “Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4) – Drop the pride that hinders reconciliation; listen more than talk; confess faults promptly (James 4:6-10). • Champion the vulnerable. – Practice “pure and undefiled religion” by caring for “orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). – Support foster care, defend the unborn, volunteer in children’s ministries, protect the elderly. • Build a shepherding community. – Meet consistently (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Know one another well enough to notice absences and struggles; create safe spaces for confession and restoration. • Share the gospel faithfully. – The Father’s desire that none perish fuels evangelism (2 Peter 3:9). – Keep gospel conversations natural and frequent—across the street and across the world (Matthew 28:19-20). • Persevere in intercession. – Pray “for all people…that they may be saved” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). – Keep a running list of prodigals and unreached groups; pray by name and expect God to move. • Walk in assurance and obedience. – “My sheep listen to My voice…no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27-28) – Confidence in the Shepherd’s grip frees us to obey boldly (Ephesians 2:10). Living It Out Daily When His priority becomes ours—protecting, pursuing, and valuing every “little one”—we mirror the heart of the Father and participate in His will that none should perish. |
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