Scripture

John 12:35, 36 NRSV

Jesus said to them…”While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

Matthew 5:14, 16 NRSV

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Consider

Scripture tells us that God, in addition to being love, is also light: “God is light and in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Jesus came to us as Immanuel—the God-Light incarnate among us. It is part of God’s kingdom plan that when we follow Jesus, we ourselves incarnate that same divine light that glorifies God. When we shine kindness and mercy into the lives of others, they may catch a glimpse of the Father who loves them, and be drawn to Him.

Jesus says, “Believe in the light.” How well do we do that? When push comes to shove, do we put our trust in the light of God or in the darker ways of the world?

We most often find the answer to that question in the way we treat other people. Do our actions lead people to recognize and praise God? Do others look at us and say, “That person must serve a God who is good and honest and merciful and just. I would like to know a God like that. I am tired of stumbling in darkness.”

Or, do we treat others in such a way that people think, “That person is proud and likes to be admired, more critical than compassionate, and quick to take offense. That person believes in serving the Self. Nothing new there, and no help for me.”

In Ephesians chapter 5, Paul makes a blunt statement: “Once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.” Through the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit, we take on the very luminescence of God. Not only do we live in God’s light, but we are God’s light. Paul goes on to say, “Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.” As we yield to the Spirit’s counsel and correction, we become luminous creatures for whom meanness and cruelty become increasingly repugnant even as generosity and forgiveness become more natural and spontaneous. As God purifies our hearts, He entrusts us with his holy light and gives us the privilege and desire to shine for Him in every dark and difficult circumstance of our lives.

Pray

FATHER, I thank you for saving me from the fear and confusion of walking in darkness. Thank you for sending Jesus to be your light among us. Show me the ways in which I still trust in the dark ways of the world and help me to overcome them. Let me shine for You in my relationships and bring honor and glory to your Name.

Reflect

John 1:4-5; Ephesians 5:8-10

Ponder

What dims my light in my relationships? What new habit might help my light shine brighter?