A Grateful Life

By Richard

In Matthew 8 Jesus heals a man with leprosy. He asks him rather than talk about it all over town to go quietly and present himself before the priest (who had the legal authority to declare him cleansed of leprosy and able to return to the community) and to present an appropriate expression of thanks to God. Jesus goes on to say, “Your cleansed and grateful life, not you words, will bear witness to what I have done.” (Matthew 8: 4, the Message).

I think that Jesus’ words carry an important thought for us. The quiet work of God in our lives and an attitude of gratefulness to God carry more weight than our words. Our lifestyle more than our words will draw others to Jesus. I once heard it put this way. Preach the Gospel and if necessary use words!