“When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” 

Ezekiel‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭19‬

God does not want anyone to perish, instead, He desires for all to be saved. That is why He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that whosoever believes will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We are all God’s children, some of us have been found – praise be to God – but others are still lost, and God wants to partner with us to bring them back home; trigger their repentance and lead them to everlasting life. However, how can a sinner repent? How do you find light when you have lived all your life in darkness? How do you even find your way home when you have been lost for such a long time? God wants to send you and I to direct our lost brethren back home and point them to Him so that they too, might be saved.

““Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 

Romans 10:13-15

How does God want us to warn the wicked? 

First, we have to understand that it is God sending us. We do not go in our strength, but in His. This is why we must partner with the Holy Spirit and let Him lead and guide us to the right people, at the right moment, with the right words, and the right posture of heart. The “wicked” are not our enemy, but merely fellow brethren who have just lost their way. Therefore, we are not to approach them with judgment or hatred, but rather compassion, love, patience and gentleness.

“Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 

II Timothy 2: 23-26

Secondly, we ought to use the word of God. The Bible tells us that the word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). It is efficient in its purpose and brings life even to dead bones. Whether we are eloquent or not, whether we have wonderful testimonies of how God worked in our lives or not, we can always resort to the Word of God, which is more powerful than all of these. Therefore, do not feel intimidated because you are a new believer, or because you are shy or are not a good public speaker. Trust in the Holy Spirit and speak the word of God; rest assured that it will bear fruit.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

II Timothy 3:16

Here is a story from the Bible about Cain and Abel:

“Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:8-9

We are called to be our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper. God will not only ask for an account on our own lives but everyone we were supposed to warn: our friends, family, neighbors, colleagues etc…people we had the opportunity and duty to warn. This is why it is so important for us to let go of this selfish mindset that society tries to inculcate us, encouraging us into the “me, myself and I” culture, thinking only about ourselves and not looking out for one another. We have a responsibility towards our neighbor, as Jesus beautifully explains it in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). We ought to care for one another, both in the secret (by interceding for one another) and in the open (by advising, giving, assisting in all the ways we can). 

Lastly, let us remember that we have not come to this world to eat and drink but to do the will of our Father. It is the calling and duty of every child of God to preach the Gospel and warn the wicked to turn away from their ways and turn towards Jesus, the source of eternal life. Do not be indifferent while people are dying in their sins but let the compassion and love of God lead you to do all it takes to lead them to repentance and salvation in Christ. God bless you!