“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16
The purpose of light is to radiate so others can see. It makes no sense to walk into a dark room, turn on a table light and then cover it up with a large bucket. Yet this is exactly what we do with our faith. If we believe that Jesus is “the light of the world” (John 8:12) and that He is in us as believers (John 1:4), then we have the opportunity to shine His light in any and every circumstance we come across.
If we take time to look around, we will be able to stop and see the brokenness and darkness all around us. And if the Lord leads us to these kinds of environments, then we have the privilege of shining His light in dark places. Oftentimes it is our embarrassment from not “knowing what to say” or “being seen as a hypocrite” that prevents us from shining the light of Jesus in the lives of others. But your genuine words, acts of service and presence in the lives of others have the ability to transcend any mistakes you have made in your life.
So go ahead. Spend time encouraging that person who seems lonely. Take a moment to pray for your neighbor. Or better yet, take the time to share a meal with someone and get to know their story.
The true meaning of shedding light is being present in the lives of others so we can share the Gospel.
— Reza Zadeh, Denver Broncos chaplain
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