Pray for everybody. That's what the apostle Paul tells his friend Timothy in the second chapter of the book of the Bible we call 1 Timothy. He says to pray for kings and rulers so that "we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

He then goes on to explain that a bit more:

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

Paul says to pray for people everywhere so that they we may have peace to share the good news about God. And the good news is that God wants everyone to be saved.

When we think about God, that's an important place to start. He wants everyone to be saved. He wants everyone to know the truth. He wants everyone to live.

Not just people in this country or that one. Not just people who look like me or don't look like me. Not just the rich or the poor or the educated or the simple. God wants everyone to be saved.

That fits with what John wrote in his gospel:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son (John 3:16-18).

God wants everyone to be saved. Not everyone will be saved, at least not according to the Bible. But that's not because God wants anyone to be lost. It's just that some will refuse to believe.

God loves you. And he wants you to be saved.
So let me tell you these simple facts: God loves you. And he wants you to be saved.

Do you want the same?

Let me know by writing to me at tarcher@heraldoftruth.org. Or join the conversation on our HopeForLife.org website.

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