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Shining the Love of Christ
“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
Many years ago, I was taught that our lives should be like a lantern that shines the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. The light that I am to shine does not come from me or my deeds, no matter how righteous or holy I think my life may be. It comes from Jesus Christ living in me. If Christ is in me, then His truth and His love will shine through me in everything I say and do.
I love the beautiful imagery of my life being like a lantern in a dark world. I know that my words and actions impact others, whether I am talking to a friend on the telephone or holding the door open for another person at the supermarket. What I say and what I do have an impact on others each and every moment of each and every day.
Because I know how much my words and actions can hurt others, I try to be careful to provide the love and encouragement that others need. However, I know that I am not always loving and encouraging. I confess that it is particularly hard for me with people who have been cruel or said mean things to me in the past. I can forgive them, but sometimes it is hard to forget the cruelty of their actions or words. But Jesus taught us not to judge but to love unconditionally.
We each need to think about our lives each day and determine if we are truly showing the love of Christ in all our words and actions. We need to ask ourselves how others see Christ’s love in us as we deal with our family, with our relationships, with our work, or with strangers. We need to ask ourselves how much light our lives are giving forth. Is the light dim or shining brightly? Are we using every opportunity given to us to shine the love of Christ everywhere we go?
I pray that as Christians we all use every moment of every day to be a “lantern” in this dark world, shining Christ’s love wherever life takes us!
Heavenly Father, guide me this day and help me to reflect Christ’s love and glorify You in everything I say and do. Let my words and deeds be a testimony of Your great love and power in my life. Guide and direct my words and actions so that all I say and do glorifies You. In Jesus’ blessed name I pray. Amen!
Linda Polson
McCurdy Ministries Board of Trustees
from Claremore, Oklahoma
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