As followers of Jesus, we’ve all encountered people in our faith circles who appear less committed or engaged. Jesus refers to these people in the book of Revelation as “lukewarm.” Those people who attend church but avoid deeper commitment, or those who haven’t yet rooted their lives in God’s Word. It can be discouraging, especially when we long to see spiritual growth in our friends and family.

The reality is that each person’s relationship with God unfolds uniquely. While some believers establish strong roots quickly and consistently bear spiritual fruit, others require more time, patience, and genuine friendship to flourish. Instead of allowing frustration to take hold, God invites us to respond with compassion, understanding, and kindness.

When we choose grace over judgment, we reflect the patience Jesus showed to His disciples when they misunderstood or doubted Him. Sometimes, our genuine care and consistent faithfulness provide just the encouragement someone needs to take their next step.

Let’s commit to praying for these fellow believers, welcoming them warmly, sharing our own stories of growth, and demonstrating the profound joy we’ve discovered in Christ. We might be amazed by what God accomplishes when we choose to love deeply, meeting others exactly where they are in their journey.