5-Day Devotional • Restoring Human Dignity

Day 1: Brokenness Is Never Far

Reading: Acts 3:1-5

Devotional: Peter and John encountered brokenness on their way to prayer—a man unable to walk, positioned outside the temple gates. This reminds us that brokenness exists everywhere, even among God's people. We often work hard to keep our struggles invisible, walking past needs in ourselves and others. Today, ask yourself: Where has brokenness become acceptable background noise in my life? Who are the people I've stopped seeing? God's work of restoration begins when we acknowledge our own neediness and recognize it in others. Like the apostles who maintained their prayer life even while filled with the Spirit, we remain dependent on God. Brokenness isn't a sign of spiritual failure—it's the reality of living in a fallen world awaiting full redemption.

Day 2: The Power of Presence

Reading: Acts 3:4-7; James 2:14-17

Devotional: "Look at us," Peter said, initiating contact rather than avoidance.

Faithful witness begins with presence, not programs. When the apostles stopped and engaged the broken man, they created space for legitimate expectation and genuine connection. They were honest about their limitations—"I have no silver and gold"—yet vulnerable enough to offer what they had. Restoration of dignity requires more than relief; it requires connection. Some brokenness cannot be resolved by finances alone but through human relationship. Consider today: Who needs you to see them? Where might God be calling you to stop, make eye contact, and truly engage? The ministry of presence is powerful. It says, "You matter. You're not invisible. I see you as God sees you—worthy of dignity and attention."

Day 3: Faith That Raises Up

Reading: Acts 3:6-10; Ephesians 2:4-10

Devotional: "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

Peter's faith wasn't in his own ability but in God's promise to raise all broken things. The physical healing pointed to a greater spiritual reality—Jesus raises the dead, restores the broken, and dignifies the undignified. We must neither exaggerate (claiming all brokenness will be healed if we have enough faith) nor diminish (believing miracles never happen) God's power. Jesus does as He wishes. While we wait for ultimate restoration, benevolence is always possible. We can always offer goodness and hope. The healed man didn't just gain mobility; he gained community, entering the temple and joining God's people in worship. Belief provides new beginnings, creating new relationships and belonging. What broken area of your life needs Jesus' raising power today?

Day 4: Redirecting Glory

Reading: Acts 3:11-16; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Devotional: When the crowd gathered in amazement, Peter immediately redirected their gaze: "Why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk?"

Bold preaching clarifies. The apostles refused to accept glory that belonged to Jesus alone. They pointed to the paradox—the people had chosen a murderer over the Author of Life, yet God raised Jesus from the dead. This same Jesus, through faith in His name, restored the man's dignity. We are witnesses to this restoration, called to participate in it. Our role isn't to be the hero but to point to the Hero. When God works through us, we must resist pride and redirect praise. Consider: Are you trying to restore dignity through your own power and piety, or through faith in Jesus' name?

Day 5: Participating in Restoration

Reading: Matthew 25:31-40; Micah 6:8

Devotional: "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do it unto me."

As witnesses of restoration, we're called to participate in restoring dignity—both physically and relationally. Poverty is fundamentally relational: brokenness in relationship to God, self, others, and creation. We can offer financial help, use our skills to meet needs, and provide relational restoration. The same Jesus who healed at the Beautiful Gate is alive and at work today, calling His people to see brokenness, practice benevolence, offer new beginnings through belief, and boldly proclaim His name. God's glory is humanity fully alive—experiencing the fullness of the life He intended. Where can you participate in restoration today? Who needs their dignity restored through your presence, resources, or relationship? Step into brokenness with the confidence that Christ goes before you.