Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. (Titus 3:14)
Expanded Passage: Titus 3:12-15
I have the honor of leading World Hope International, a Christian relief and development organization bringing hope in hard places through clean water, global health, and protection. On a recent trip to Sierra Leone, I had the privilege of meeting an eight-year-old boy named Bailo. Bailo has quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, when he was born his mother was told he was a demon and should be abandoned. His mother, however, bravely and firmly advocated for her son and sought help from World Hope, who provided physical therapy as well as disability inclusion and awareness training for his community. Today, Bailo smiles from ear to ear, attends school, and is surrounded by a family and community who love him.
Paul wrote, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Doing good is something we must practice with intentionality, because our natural inclination is to serve ourselves rather than others. The way of Jesus compels us to defy that inward curve toward self and move self-sacrificially outward, loving and serving others, particularly those who have urgent needs.
Because people at World Hope are devoted to following Jesus, to doing good and providing for urgent needs, children like Bailo have opportunity, dignity, and hope. This is what it looks like to live a productive life. This is what it looks like to bring hope to a hurting world.
Intentionally seek an opportunity to bring hope to someone today.
Jenn Petersen is president & CEO for World Hope International. She is also cofounder and copastor of Resurrection Life NYC, a Wesleyan church in Manhattan.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
