Reaching out to those who have strayed or have yet to know Christ is a central theme in Christianity. The Bible calls us to share His love and salvation with the lost.
This compilation of Bible verses about reaching the lost provides inspiration for evangelism and outreach. Delve into these scriptures to understand the importance of compassion and commitment to sharing the Gospel with others.
Bible Verses About Reaching The Lost
Matthew 28:19-20 – Importance of Reaching the Lost
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” – Tony Evans
“Every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past. We are called to reach out to those who are lost.” – T.D. Jakes
“We are not primarily called to be a church that merely meets but a church that reaches the lost.” – Rick Warren
Matthew 9:37-38 – Jesus’ Great Commission
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'” – Matthew 9:37-38
Related Christian Quotes:
“The calling of all believers is to reach the unreached, to liberate the captives and to fulfill the mission of God.” – David Platt
“Much prayer, much power; little prayer, little power.” – John Wesley
“Every believer is a witness; every day is an opportunity to evangelize.” – Charles Stanley
Also read: 35 Bible Verses About Materialism (with Christian Quotes)
Romans 10:14-15 – The Role of Evangelism in the Church
“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 10:14-15
Related Christian Quotes:
“The mission of the church is not to be a social center but a send-out center.” – Matt Chandler
“Let us never forget that the gospel is the hope of the world; a lost world needs the saving grace of Jesus.” – John Piper
“We are to proclaim the Gospel with our lives and our lips.” – John MacArthur
Luke 15:4-7 – Examples of Jesus Reaching the Lost
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'” – Luke 15:4-7
Related Christian Quotes:
“God’s heart beats for the lost. His love compels us to seek those who don’t know Him.” – Craig Groeschel
“Every soul is precious to God, and every person you meet should have equal value in your eyes.” – Joyce Meyer
“Lost people matter to God. Therefore, they should matter to us.” – Keith Wright
John 3:16 – The Heart of God for the Lost
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“The greatest miracle is the transformation of a lost soul into a saved soul.” – Christine Caine
“God’s love knows no boundaries; His arms are wide open for every lost soul.” – Francis Chan
“In His love, God became a Redeemer to seek and save the lost.” – John Stott
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – The Transformation that Happens When Lost are Found
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Related Christian Quotes:
“When we share the Gospel, we are not only sharing a message; we are sharing our lives.” – Andy Stanley
“The Gospel is not about being better; it’s about being rescued.” – Timothy Keller
“Evangelism is not merely an obligation but a deep-seated passion to see souls come to know Christ.” – Greg Laurie
Acts 1:8 – The Power of Personal Testimony
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Related Christian Quotes:
“Your testimony is the story of God’s grace at work in you that can draw others to Him.” – Christine Caine
“It’s not about us; it’s about His power working through us.” – Rick Warren
“People will see the truth of the Gospel through your changed life.” – David Platt
Philippians 1:27 – Overcoming Fear in Sharing the Gospel
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27
Related Christian Quotes:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the presence of God.” – David Wilkerson
“Fear does not have to be the end of your story. Stand firm in your faith and share the truth.” – Lisa Bevere
“Do it afraid. Speak the truth. God is with you.” – Joyce Meyer
2 Peter 3:9 – The Urgency of the Gospel Message
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
Related Christian Quotes:
“God’s patience is not an excuse for neglecting our mission—it’s an invitation to evangelize.” – Charles Stanley
“Time is short; the harvest is ripe. We need to reach out while we still can.” – Billy Graham
“We are the messengers of God’s grace in a world that desperately needs hope.” – Max Lucado
Mark 16:15 – Tools for Reaching the Lost
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15
Related Christian Quotes:
“The call to go is a charge to take the Gospel to every corner of the earth.” – Jay Pathak
“Every believer is a missionary, whether in their neighborhood or across the globe.” – John Piper
“Our mission in life is to proclaim the Gospel with our lips, with our lives, and with our love.” – Christine Caine
Matthew 25:35-40 – Community Outreach and Missions
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'” – Matthew 25:35-40
Related Christian Quotes:
“Compassion is the fuel that drives our mission to reach the lost.” – Rick Warren
“Serving others is not just an action; it’s a reflection of Christ’s love.” – Tony Evans
“When communities are transformed by love, lives change, and the lost discover hope.” – John Piper
James 1:27 – Reaching the Lost through Service
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
Related Christian Quotes:
“True religion doesn’t only serve God; it serves people.” – Francis Chan
“Serving the needy is the easiest way to show God’s love.” – Mark Batterson
“We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those who are lost.” – Christine Caine
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – The Role of Prayer in Evangelism
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Related Christian Quotes:
“Prayer is the oil that greases the wheels of evangelism.” – Chris Hodges
“Nothing transforms hearts like prayer does. It lays a foundation for the Gospel.” – John Piper
“Before we reach out, we must reach up.” – David Wilkerson
Isaiah 61:1-3 – Understanding Cultural Barriers in Outreach
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.” – Isaiah 61:1-3
Related Christian Quotes:
“Cultural sensitivity in outreach makes the gospel relatable.” – Francis Chan
“Understanding people brings the heart of Jesus into focus when sharing the Gospel.” – John Stott
“Empathy is essential to spreading the message of hope and love.” – Christine Caine
Luke 10:1-3 – Biblical Examples of Evangelists
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” – Luke 10:1-3
Related Christian Quotes:
“Teamwork in evangelism multiplies the reach of the Gospel.” – Rick Warren
“Working together for the Gospel strengthens our witness and testimony.” – David Platt
“Two are better than one, for they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
Acts 8:4 – The Call to Preach the Good News
“Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” – Acts 8:4
Related Christian Quotes:
“When the church is alive, Christians will preach the Gospel wherever they go.” – John Piper
“Our lives should be a testimony, making the Gospel visible.” – Christine Caine
“Preaching the Gospel is not just a task but a way of living.” – Charles Stanley
1 Timothy 2:3-4 – God’s Patience with the Lost
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:3-4
Related Christian Quotes:
“God’s heart is that none should perish. It’s our duty to share that truth.” – Beth Moore
“Every life matters to God, and our purpose is to bring them to Him.” – Frances Chan
“The mission field isn’t far away; it’s in our own backyards.” – John Stott
Luke 15:10 – The Joy in Heaven over One Sinner Who Repents
“In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
Related Christian Quotes:
“All of heaven rejoices when one person turns to Christ. That’s the heart of our God.” – Max Lucado
“There’s no greater joy than to see a soul come to know the Lord.” – Rick Warren
“Repentance is the doorway to celebration in heaven.” – John Piper
Philippians 2:15-16 – Discipleship as a Means of Reaching the Lost
“So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” – Philippians 2:15-16
Related Christian Quotes:
“Discipleship is not just an event; it’s a process of becoming like Christ.” – Rick Warren
“Shining God’s light in a dark world is the essence of our mission.” – Christine Caine
“True discipleship inevitably leads to evangelism.” – David Platt
Acts 4:13 – Sharing the Gospel with Boldness
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
Related Christian Quotes:
“Boldness is not being brash, but having confidence in God’s message.” – Dr. Charles Stanley
“The boldness of our witness comes from the depth of our relationship with Jesus.” – John Piper
“God gives us the courage to proclaim His truth to a world in desperate need.” – Christine Caine
Colossians 1:6 – The Fruits of Reaching the Lost
“That has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” – Colossians 1:6
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Gospel is unstoppable! When it’s shared, lives are transformed.” – Rick Warren
“As we reach out, we see the incredible growth of the Kingdom.” – David Platt
“A fruit-bearing church is a church alive in the Spirit.” – Francis Chan
Romans 1:16 – Overcoming Obstacles in Evangelism
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16
Related Christian Quotes:
“Evangelism is not a skill; it’s a way of life.” – John Stott
“Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing the truth that brings life.” – Christine Caine
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain
Mark 2:17 – Training Believers to Share Their Faith
“On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'” – Mark 2:17
Related Christian Quotes:
“Every believer is called to be a minister of reconciliation.” – Timothy Keller
“Training believers to share their faith is essential for church health.” – Charles Stanley
“We are called to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” – Rick Warren
Acts 1:14 – The Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
Related Christian Quotes:
“The Holy Spirit empowers every believer to share the Gospel.” – David Platt
“Without His power, our efforts are in vain.” – Louis Giglio
“The Spirit guides, directs, and strengthens us in our mission.” – Christine Caine
1 Corinthians 16:14 – The Importance of Love in Outreach
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Related Christian Quotes:
“Love is the foundation of effective outreach.” – John Piper
“God’s love for the world must be reflected in our lives.” – Rick Warren
“Outreach without love is just noise.” – Joyce Meyer
1 Timothy 6:17-19 – Reaching the Lost through Social Media
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Related Christian Quotes:
“Social media is a powerful tool for spreading God’s message of love.” – T.D. Jakes
“Use your platform to point others to Christ.” – Craig Groeschel
“Be intentional in sharing the hope of Jesus online.” – Andy Stanley
Psalm 67:2 – Biblical Promises for Evangelism
“So that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.” – Psalm 67:2
Related Christian Quotes:
“The promise of God’s presence invigorates our mission to reach the lost.” – John Stott
“The Gospel has the power to change lives across cultures.” – T.D. Jakes
“When we proclaim the salvation of Jesus, we can expect God to move powerfully.” – Christine Caine
Luke 14:27 – The Cost of Discipleship in Reaching the Lost
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27
Related Christian Quotes:
“Following Jesus will cost something, but the reward is eternal.” – Rick Warren
“True discipleship demands sacrifice and commitment.” – David Platt
“The call to evangelism is a call to sacrificial living.” – Timothy Keller
John 9:4 – Conclusion on the Importance of Pursuing the Lost
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” – John 9:4
Related Christian Quotes:
“We have a limited time to share the message of hope.” – Billy Graham
“Every day is a new opportunity to reach out to the lost.” – Joyce Meyer
“Let us work while it is day; for the night cometh when no man can work.” – T.D. Jakes
Final Thoughts
Reaching the lost is not only a mission but a calling that every believer should take seriously. The Scriptures remind us of the urgency and importance of sharing the Gospel with those who have not yet encountered the love of Christ. Jesus modeled this outreach passionately and called us to continue His work in our own communities and beyond.
We have been equipped through the Holy Spirit to spread the good news and serve others, creating avenues for genuine connection and outreach. Personal testimonies, community service, and dedicated prayer all play crucial roles in our efforts to witness to the lost.