WITNESSING BY DEEDS AND WORD
When Jesus began his public ministry, he said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). And “he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
SOME PEOPLE BELIEVED IN JESUS FOR WHAT HE DID AND SAID
A MAN BORN BLIND. Jesus healed a man that was born blind, and said it was “the works of God.” Referring to himself as the Son of Man, Jesus asked the man he healed, “do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man replied, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped Jesus. (John 9).
A SAMARITAN WOMAN. Jesus met a Samaritan woman at a well who was not accepted by Jews, and was a reject in her own community. While showing her his own acceptance, he told her about her history of rejection. “ He told her “you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”
”Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet”…I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”…
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony: “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4).
PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS. Jesus said, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). He was lifted up on a cross and died for the sins of the world (John 3:16).
SOME PEOPLE MAY BELIEVE IN JESUS FOR WHAT WE DO AND SAY
The Lord Jesus Christ has given the Holy Spirit to be the Helper to whoever repents and believe in his atoning death (Acts 2:38; John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit has given repentant believers various gifts to do the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). The Lord says, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:15-16).
1. God may have made you realize that you do not need to perform miracles or be a trained professional to help people, or to share a the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ. You can use whatever gifts God has given you to work with people for the Lord in the way God leads you.
For example, you may listen to, and pray in your heart for someone with a problem. You can visit someone who is a shut-in or bedridden and bring that person a token of love. If the person is open to, or desires you to do so, you may read them Psalms and Bible stories about the love and miracles of the Lord.
You can call someone whom you know is lonely or discouraged to say, “hello,” and let that person know you were thinking about them, and wanted to know how they was doing.
You can pray for and support others who have effective ministries for the Lord.
2. I worked as a counselor in substance abuse and prison rehabilitation programs. I endeavored to let the light of Christ shine through me. I earnestly worked to help program participants with their problems and concerns. The program grapevine of staff and participants communicated that I was “a born-again Christian.” Some participants and staff came to me and asked me questions about the Lord and the Bible– especially some with Christian influences in their backgrounds
More than a few participants confided that they were reared in a Christian family and went to church. However, they said they chose the “fast lane” and “criminal” life styles. But now, they feel God had sent them to prison and rehab programs to “save my life” and “turn me around.” Some commented that they believed God sent me and other like me to help them. Several wanted me to pray for them.
In praying and walking with the Lord, the Holy Spirit will make us aware of things we can do to witness the love of Christ to others. And the Spirit may open doors of opportunity for us to speak to the ones we are working with and ministering to, so that we may present the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.
THE LORD WILL REWARD US FOR WHATEVER WE DO ON HIS BEHALF
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ said, if you give “even a cup of cold water” to one of his little ones, you will not lose your earthly and heavenly rewards that he promises.. (Matthew 10:42; Mark 10:29-30).
