The old proverb states that you can lead a horse to the water, but you cannot force him to drink.

Sometimes we get over anxious to see our spouse, siblings or friends accept salvation, so we try to force them to repent.

However, you can share the message of salvation as best as you can, but you cannot force a person to understand or receive the word especially if they are not ready or just plain refuse to receive the word.

Jesus told His disciples that when they share the gospel to a household or city, if they refuse to hear or receive the message they should shake the dust off their feet when they leave.

Does this mean that this household or city is doomed forever?

Look closely at the following verse.

Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! (Matthew 10:15)

It is apparent that although Sodom and Gomorrah was destroyed by fire it is not the complete end of the souls of the people.

They will rise to judgment, and on that day (day of the Lord), their judgment will be more bearable than those people who refused the message of salvation.

Let us ponder on this verse for a while.

There is more to the judgment of God than what we believe.

Pray earnestly for your unsaved family and friends but don’t pressure them to be saved.

Leave the saving to the Lord.