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The world is broken by sin, filled with suffering, pain, and hopelessness. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, God has given the church a mission—to bring the light of the gospel to a lost and dying world. Isaiah 61:1 declares, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Jesus Himself quoted this passage at the beginning of His earthly ministry, making it clear that His mission was to redeem, restore, and set the captives free. As His church, we have been entrusted with the same mission: to preach the good news, to comfort the brokenhearted, and to point the lost to the Savior.

In a world filled with fear, confusion, and despair, the church must stand as a beacon of hope. Many around us are searching for meaning, longing for peace, and desperate for answers. They turn to temporary fixes—wealth, success, relationships, or worldly pleasures—but these things can never heal the wounds of a sin-sick heart. Jesus is the only answer, and we are His ambassadors. Matthew 5:14-16 reminds us, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We cannot afford to hide our faith or shrink back in fear—we must shine brightly, proclaiming the life-giving truth of the gospel to all who will hear.

Reaching a broken world requires both compassion and boldness. Jesus ministered to people with deep love and care, meeting their physical needs while also addressing their spiritual condition. As His followers, we must do the same. We must be willing to listen to the hurting, extend a helping hand, and offer the truth of God’s Word with kindness and urgency. Yet, compassion alone is not enough—we must also have the courage to speak truth in a world that often rejects it. The gospel is offensive to those who do not want to confront their sin, but it is also the only message that can truly save. We must not water down the truth or shy away from sharing it, for it is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16).

This week, pray for the church to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs Jesus. Ask God to use you to reach those who are brokenhearted and searching for truth. Consider how you can be more intentional in sharing the gospel with those around you—whether through a conversation, an act of kindness, or an invitation to church. The mission of the church is clear, and the need has never been greater. Will you be faithful in carrying the light of Christ to a dark and broken world?