Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? James 2:15-16
God has sent each one of us to proclaim good news in the mission field -- a mission field that begins at the end of our nose. As Christians we know the best news is the Good News of the Gospel of Christ's cross. But many people do not know that. In the account of the Good Samaritan, the man who fell among robbers was not interested in hearing the Gospel right there on the road. He had needs that seemed more pressing. The Samaritan provided first aid, food, and shelter. Now that was good news for a half-dead man along the side of the road.
Take a look around. Perhaps a child needs the comfort of a hug or a fellow worker could use a pat on the back. A teenager wants time to talk; a lonely neighbor longs to share a meal; a friend needs a hand with a home-improvement project. A hug, a pat on the back, some time, a meal, and a helping hand are all good news to those in need.
By providing "good news" as others perceive it, we share God's love. In this way, God opens the door for proclaiming His Good News, the story of what His Son has done for the people who need Him as their Savior and Lord.
PRAYER: Lord, use us to proclaim good news and Good News in our personal mission fields; for Jesus' sake. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 104-105 1 Thessalonians 1
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