READ: MATTHEW 5:14-16, 1 CORINTHIANS 3:6-9

Do you know that painful feeling when you turn on a light first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night? When you’ve been in a dark room for a while, light stings your eyes and makes you want to keep them closed.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “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.” Light is good! If you are a Christian, you are light in a world filled with darkness. But not everyone knows this light is good.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This is good news! Jesus is God. He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth, sacrificed His life for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven, where He sits enthroned over all. Because of His sacrifice and resurrection, God forgives us for our sins and promises to raise us to eternal life when Jesus returns and makes all things new. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you have His Holy Spirit living in you, and that means you can share the light of Jesus with everyone through what you say and what you do.

But sometimes, it can be hard to share this good news with others. They might not want to hear it at first, or they might not understand it right away. It’s not easy to hear you’re a sinner who needs forgiveness! When you’ve been living in darkness for a while, light can be painful. We need patience when telling others the good news. Eventually, as they experience God’s love and kindness, they will learn the light is good—but for a while, they may choose to keep their eyes closed. But be encouraged. If you plant the seed, God can make it grow. We are called to share our faith, but ultimately, God is the one who leads people to Him. • Elizabeth Cooper

• God is so very patient with us, and He keeps loving us, even when we pull away from Him. If we know Jesus, His love fills our hearts to overflowing, so we can love others and be patient with them too (1 John 4:19). Is there someone in your life God might be inviting you to share your faith with? How could you keep patiently loving them even if they seem uninterested?

• If you want to dig deeper, read Matthew 4:16; John 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:1-20; Philippians 2:1-15

[Jesus said,] “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14 (NIV)