When we let the light of Christ shine through us several things happen:
1. We begin to see ourselves more clearly. This is sometimes scary because the cleansing light of Christ shines more brightly than any other light. It shows us as we are, imperfections and everything. Many of us don’t want to see that, but it is necessary for us to see our sins so we can repent and be forgiven. It is easier to let Christ’s light shine through us when we remember John 3:17, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”(NRSV)
2. Others are drawn to us. When the light of Christ shines through us, others see the light and want to be a part of what we are doing. Even those who may not believe see the peace of God and the love for others that comes from the Holy Spirit and want to share in our joy.
3. We light the path for others to follow. Modern life is confusing. Even the simplest of decisions sometimes seem hard to make. We live in a time where people call good evil and evil good. But the light of Christ shows us the path of truth, the path to true love for God and for each other.
4. We encourage others to shine as well. I believe that there are many people in the world who only need a little bit of encouragement to begin to let their lights shine. When we shine with the light of Christ we provide that encouragement to new Christians who are just learning to share God’s love and we provide renewed energy and hope to those who have shared God’s love before us.
So, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “ Matthew 5:16
1. We begin to see ourselves more clearly. This is sometimes scary because the cleansing light of Christ shines more brightly than any other light. It shows us as we are, imperfections and everything. Many of us don’t want to see that, but it is necessary for us to see our sins so we can repent and be forgiven. It is easier to let Christ’s light shine through us when we remember John 3:17, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”(NRSV)
2. Others are drawn to us. When the light of Christ shines through us, others see the light and want to be a part of what we are doing. Even those who may not believe see the peace of God and the love for others that comes from the Holy Spirit and want to share in our joy.
3. We light the path for others to follow. Modern life is confusing. Even the simplest of decisions sometimes seem hard to make. We live in a time where people call good evil and evil good. But the light of Christ shows us the path of truth, the path to true love for God and for each other.
4. We encourage others to shine as well. I believe that there are many people in the world who only need a little bit of encouragement to begin to let their lights shine. When we shine with the light of Christ we provide that encouragement to new Christians who are just learning to share God’s love and we provide renewed energy and hope to those who have shared God’s love before us.
So, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. “ Matthew 5:16
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