Weeping for the Church

29I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. Acts 20:29-31

How many of us have, like Paul, ever shed tears over the present reality that there are indeed wolves in the church fleecing the flock of God and feeding them the poison of false teaching? Are we outraged? We may be tempted to easily dismiss such feelings as feelings of the flesh and rationalize it off somehow, but one thing I do know. Indifference is not of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we need to feel a holy jealousy for “the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). If the believer has the heart of God beating within him then it ought to beat with the same love God has for the bride he gave his Son.