Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Acts 4:30 (NIV)

Christ envisions us to be a people who bring hope and healing to a suffering and hurting world. Unfortunately, lots of people have had such negative and unpleasant experiences with Christians that it prevents them from embracing a faith that celebrates and reflects Christ.

The gospel embraces and welcomes all and everyone.

There are no "ifs" or "buts" about it. The same God who so profoundly loves us wants us to love others in that same way. We are to learn to love as He loves us. However, if we get the gospel wrong, it does not matter what we say we believe—if we do not reflect our belief in the way we act and treat others. Before people will hear your truth, they must first feel your love.

The church is not for the perfect. It is for the sick, the broken and the wounded. If so, we are not to judge how good or bad someone is. We actually have no right to judge because we have the same faults and weaknesses as others. Instead, we discern how God is calling us to be part of that person’s life and to offer care and connection in the midst of their pain and grief.

We are all wounded healers.

Every one of us has a unique story of healed and unhealed tears. And often in our stories, we weren't always the ones who heal ourselves. It was God or one of His numerous sons and daughters who acted faithfully and lovingly to bind our wounds and heal our broken hearts.

Instead of wallowing in your own misery, intentionally consider how you might put others first and forget about yourself. That was what the Apostle Paul did. He was always encouraging the saints while he was suffering in prison. You don't need to wait until you're fully healed to help others. Even while you are waiting for your own healing, go and heal others in Jesus’ name.