Let Your Light Shine
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
When I walk in my neighborhood, I am encouraged by messages I discover. I love the cheery chalk-colored pictures and encouraging words on driveways or the colored pictures taped to windows.
God calls us to be His messages or light for our community. Since the pandemic left us in unparalleled uncertainty, many people are looking for answers. We have the only answer that satisfies. We have Jesus! In Him, we have love and compassion beyond all understanding. In Him, we have a savior who redeemed us for His own. As crazy and out of control our lives can get, in Him, we have a God who never changes. He is our stability and our hope for every day. Our deeds are intended to reflect the light of God so that others will praise Him.
What does being “light” look like in your neighborhood? Here are a few ideas of things you might try to bless others:
- Make phone calls to those who may be lonely. Check in on one another to show you care.
- Write letters and thank you notes to encourage others. Did your worship team lead an amazing service? Let them hear from you.
- Invite others to attend church services (or virtual church) with you.
- Drop off food. Maybe a bucket of cookies for that neighbor with all those kids. Or perhaps a casserole for the elderly man who lives alone. Is there a family out of work that would benefit from an extra bag of groceries?
- Sponsor a child through Compassion. The need in the world is greater than ever before.
- Be kind to your family. Let the Holy Spirit empower you with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control to bless the people in your home.
- Pray! Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in God’s amazing work on earth. He tells us in James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
What will you do to share the love of Jesus with your neighbor? Your grocery store clerk? Your children or spouse? Ask God, then brainstorm a list and get started today. Maybe you’ll hang pictures in your windows or color your driveway. I can’t wait to hear your stories.