LifeLink Devotions

Friday, May 20, 2022

Jesus was willing to touch the untouchable. His compassion was obvious. His mercy was extensive. His grace was unending.

Matthew 8:1-3   “When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.”

As His followers – His disciples – Jesus has energized us with His indwelling Spirit to be the same. We will make a difference when we become Jesus to those in need. When we extend our hands to the hurting and the helpless, we are extended the hands of Jesus to them.

Here’s a testimony of the difference we can make when we reach out and touch others with the compassion of Christ. It comes from a friend named Deb.

“The people in my Small Group made a big difference in my life. When my first husband died in an accident when I was pregnant with my first child, my Small Group was a big support to me. In so many ways, they tried to fill the void left in my life. They helped me remember to get the oil changed in the car, a job my husband would have done. They had me over for dinner, they threw a surprise birthday party for me, and called if they missed me at church. After the baby was born, they offered to babysit, and they let me bring him, even though he was often fussy and noisy, to our Bible studies. And that first Christmas, they helped me set up my Christmas tree with all the trimmings. Some people in those days seemingly fell out of my life as I suppose they didn’t know what to say or do and dealing with grief made them uncomfortable. Others came closer and were an encouragement to me. Those are the ones who made a difference. They were Jesus’ hands and feet, Jesus “with skin on” in my life. They are still my dear friends to this day!”

Don’t be someone who pulls away because you are uncomfortable with or fearful of another person’s condition. Reach out and touch them. Be willing. You will make a difference.

Pastor John