Day 322.
Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. (Acts 8:5-7 ESV)
When the apostles went about proclaiming Christ they accompanied their preaching with deeds of mercy, which validated their message. Granted it was miraculous in nature and thus served as a sign for the people that their message was indeed from God, but it was also of a kind that addressed very real physical needs of the people. The gospel we proclaim is not just for spiritual well-being. It addresses the whole man. Though it may not bring physical healing at the time of believing, it will one day bring physical healing as it brings us into a redeemed heavens and earth with new and glorified bodies. The curse that plagued the land will also be lifted. The point is simply this, deeds of mercy go with evangelism. So as we seek to proclaim Christ in our communities we can remember that looking out for ways we can serve real needs is part of our testimony.
Lord, help us to be good neighbors and give an extra effort to learn how we can serve our neighbors needs as we pray for opportunities to share Christ with them.
