They will NEVER change.
Ever caught yourself thinking this about someone? Perhaps this person hurt you deeply. Maybe they are a close loved one, and you are all too familiar with their slips and backslides into harmful behavior.
Maybe the person is someone of good social character, yet avoids God at all cost. It seems hopeless they will ever fully surrender to Christ.
While sometimes it may feel like someone is unreceptive to change, we want to avoid the temptation to condemn or write-off. When it seems like someone may never change, it may be us who needs to make the change first.
Perspective can make a significant difference. Are we praying in sincerity? Is our guidance for sharing the gospel based on personal perception more than the direction from the Holy Spirit? How bold have we truly been in sharing our faith? Maybe the situation calls for something else (like healthy boundaries)?
We should rejoice no one is beyond the Lord’s reach. No one is so lost our mighty Savior cannot redeem them (or us!). When someone seems beyond change, set your heart to prayer.
Here are a few scriptures for encouragement and guidance…
FOR AN ENEMY
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27-28
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:44-45
FOR MERCY
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
FOR HOPE
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
Jeremiah 29:11-12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12