Do Not Lose Heart

Persistence, Mercy, and Following · Luke 18

Story guide: A dignified older widow stands with empty open hands before a weary judge who finally leans forward to listen. This reflects the call not to lose heart in Luke 18:1-8.

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1He was telling them a parable about their need to pray always and not lose heart,

2saying, “There was a certain judge in a certain city who did not fear God and did not respect people.

3And there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’

4And for a time he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect anyone,

5yet because this widow keeps causing me trouble, I will give her justice, so that by continually coming she may not wear me out.”

6And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says.”

7And will not God bring justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?

8I tell you that he will bring about justice for them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he really find faith on the earth?

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