Matthew 4:23-25

Matthew 4:23-25
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Let's say you're walking along the street and see a child on the ground crying in obvious pain.  Most likely you go to the child, trying in some way to comfort it, soothing their pain and helping them until the worst has passed.
  Now, what if it's a homeless man, in pain in the street.  How do you react?  Do you still go to them, trying to comfort them?  This one's tougher, right?  We all have an internal debate about how hurt they really are and what it might cost us (emotionally, monetarily, physically) if we try and help.
  The central truth of the Gospel is that we were dead in our sins when God reached out to us.  We were in need, and Christ came to us and offered healing and hope and restoration and peace and mercy and forgiveness.  All the things we needed most.  Notice here in the Scripture -- people follow Jesus as he heals and performs miracles.  Those acts draw people in.
  And so I believe the church is at her best when it goes out into the world and serves those in need.  When our acts proclaim mercy and peace, then people are willing to listen to our words.  When our lives are sermons about caring and selfless love, then people's ears are opened to hear us proclaim the ultimate selfless love of Jesus Christ.