“God anointed Jesus . . who went about doing good and healing.”Acts 10:38 NKJV.
One healing touch can disrupt a continuing cycle of hurts.
Every person possesses the power to choose how they will live. Some people just never get around to choosing or don’t realize they should. Many people live randomly, wandering without purpose or direction, just doing what comes naturally. There is something far better. When you know you have a certain destiny you will find a clear direction. “Anyone who does what is good is from God.” 3 John 11 NIV.
Some people leave chaos around and behind them, wherever they go. Their words and behavior can bewilder and injure others, while they seem to go on their merry way. Jesus was clear, “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world” (John 9:5 NIV), and your commission now is as His own was then, “You are the light of the world . . in the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14/16 NIV. Good isn’t coincidental; good is intentional.
The Apostle Peter’s introductory remarks to a Roman Centurion, and his household began with, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts 10:38 NKJV. Jesus’ intent was to always do good, bringing His healing touch to hearts and lives. He still does, but now the Holy Spirit also anoints you with the ministry of Jesus to heal broken and hurting hearts.
Hurting people hurt people. One healing touch can disrupt a continuing cycle of hurts.In a time of prayer, a practical understanding of a simple but powerful, ministry truth was impressed upon my thoughts, “Only what touches the heart has the power to change a life.” You have the power to touch a person’s heart. With your touch, God can change their life.
Such an assignment is not without effort, but the good to which you are called – gracious acts of kindness, mercy, and charity – contrasts sharply in the darkened, hurting world in which you minister. God is the Source of all good; you are to be His instrument of healing, “. . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life . .” Phil 2:15 NLT.
Theologians discuss sins of omission, as well as sins of commission. “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17 NIV. Apparently, failing to do good for another when need and opportunity are presented is a serious omission. See Proverbs 3:27 NIV.
Let me add a word of caution: your reward for the good done is not always here on earth. Some people who have hurt a long time might not be readily thankful. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all . .” Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV.
My prayer for you this day is that God’s goodness flows freely from your life to others.