“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27
Who is your neighbor? Jesus answered this question with a parable that flipped the script: instead of asking “Who is my neighbor?” we should ask “What kind of neighbor am I proving to be?” Your neighbor is in your neighborhood, at your gym, at your workplace—and your neighbor also lives across the ocean. Every human being is your neighbor because every person is made in the image of God. This means every person has inherent value and is worth loving. When we love God, we develop His heart for the nations, for the globe, for people in hard-to-reach places who have never heard the good news of Jesus.
Over 80% of unreached people groups live in South Asia, and 40 million people die every year without ever hearing about Jesus. That should break our hearts because it breaks God’s heart. Living sent means we don’t just love the neighbors we can see; we love our global neighbors too. Maybe God is calling youto pray regularly for a specific country or people group. Maybe He’s stirring your heart to give financially to support church planters in places where persecution is intense. Maybe He’s inviting you to go—whether for a week, a summer, or a lifetime. Don’t let fear, anxiety, or the pursuit of comfort keep you from what God might be calling you to. When God says “go,” that’s the right time to go, regardless of your life stage. He’ll work out the details and use your dependence on Him for His glory.
Reflect:
- How has your view of “neighbor” been too narrow? What would it look like to expand your heart for global neighbors?
- What is one practical step you could take this week to engage with God’s heart for the nations (through prayer, giving, learning, or going)?
- Ask God to give you His heart for the nations. Pray specifically for unreached people groups in South Asia and for the safety and boldness of church planters serving in places of persecution. Ask Him if there’s a specific way He wants you to be involved in global mission.
