“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
The Bible offers references to having the “light of life” and being a positive and “Christ-like” influence on others as being important. The Bible indicates that for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and personal Savior, they will have the light of life: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). This passage indicates that those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior will achieve salvation and walk in the “light” of Jesus Christ.
For followers of Jesus Christ, what should happen next? The Bible does provide helpful insight and guidance: “For we are God’s workmanship created through Christ Jesus to do good works, which He has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). An interpretation of this would be: get busy doing the work of the Lord. Also, as Jesus Christ is a shining light for us to follow, we should be the same for others as we reflect our Lord and Savior’s light and love. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We can demonstrate love and compassion and reflect the “light of Christ” to others through many means: helpful assistance, mentorship, encouraging words, acts of kindness, going out of your way to help someone. We should love each other and offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9). The Bible encourages us to make statements to others that would be helpful and encouraging for them (Ephesians 4:29). We should also use whatever gift (skills and abilities) we have to help and serve others (1 Peter 4:10). If you are still not sure how to begin reflecting the “light of Christ,” consider the book of John, where Jesus asked Peter: “Do you love me?” and when Peter answered, “yes,” Jesus said, “feed my lambs” and “tend my sheep” (John 21:15:17/ESV).
As followers of Jesus Christ walk in the world, clearly, there is much work to do, which the Bible teaches us we should be actively involved with while taking care of God’s lambs and sheep. How can we take care of God’s lambs and sheep and be a light that reflects the love of Jesus Christ onto others?
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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