Are we reflecting God to the people around us today?
Matthew 5:16
Jesus is teaching his followers. Jesus is teaching us. We are told to be an example to the world. As light shines to all, so must we shine to others.
The light of God which must live in us, at the core of our being, will undoubtedly be seen by all around us. The way we speak, listen, attend to, conduct ourselves; all will express the love of God that lives in us. People can’t help but notice.
But the “good deeds” should never be for our benefit. If people start praising us for how nice and helpful we are then we have fallen short of our duty. Instead, our good actions should enlighten others about how awesome God is.
We followers of Jesus ignore persecution, ridicule, and our self-interest in order to serve others. This love for others, especially our enemies, can only be explained in one way: we must love others because we are so loved by God. To God be all the glory. Never us.
What good deed can we do today to shine God’s love to others? How can we go above and beyond in serving someone than we normally would? Is there someone we dislike that we can surprise with forgiveness, kindness, or an unexpected gift? Let us try to shine at least one beam of light today.
Related Reflections
Follow Jesus in Prayer • Luke 6:12
If we are Christians, are we spending time in prayer as Jesus did?
Light. Sight. God. • Psalm 13:4
Are we approaching each day by choosing God over earthly things?
