Each of us has a loved one who, based on our discernment, is not saved. The temptation is is to attempt to persuade them, using every means at our disposal. We make emotional pleas. We appeal to logic or even to their instinct for self-preservation. And yet, there is no repentance.
It can be quite frustrating until we realize that repentance is a gift. It is not achieved by human effort. Nor is it arrived at by logical deduction. It has only one source, and it is bestowed by God according to His good pleasure.
When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Acts 11:18
In this verse, the word "they" refers to the Apostles, who were being reminded of God's grace by Peter. These were men who walked and talked with Christ, who may have had first-hand encounters with the risen Lord. And who, quite understandably, have thought of themselves as being a bit special... maybe even a bit better than the rest of us.
Yet, "they heard these things" and realized that Almighty God had granted repentance to those who were not of their lineage. To these men, the Gentiles had no claim to God's favor. They had no history with God, no prior revelation. And yet, God granted repentance to them.
Our Lord granted repentance to you and me. We had no legitimate claim to it. We had nothing to earn it or deserve it. Yet He saw fit to grant it to us nonetheless. If He so chooses, He will grant it to our loved ones, as well. And we must continue to intercede in that regard. But don't be frustrated when our own words seem to fall on deaf ears. Instead, be hopeful because He can open their ears like He did ours.
Be encouraged, Jose
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