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Reflect Jesus, the “Light of Life”

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 ESV

As the sun shines and brightens each day, let your light shine Jesus into the lives of others.

As Christians, followers of Jesus Christ, we have the “light of life” that Jesus promises! We are freed by His love, we are forgiven of our sins, we are His children of light in this “dark” world. Now come some hard questions…

Are we living and reflecting His beautiful light for others to see? We all, and I include myself, need to pause and think for just a minute.

Did I get frustrated and angry when the cashier made a mistake on my bill, or did I smile and say, “no problem” as she apologized and corrected it?

Did I ignore the older woman who was struggling to return her grocery cart, or did I offer to take it back for her as I wished her a blessed day?

Did I give an exasperated sigh as a young mother tried to rein in her unruly toddler, or did I smile and offer her words of acceptance and encouragement?

Did I turn the other way when a homeless man approached, or did I look at him as “the least of these” and provide help?

Jesus never condoned sin, but He did love and have compassion for people. Our first verse in John actually follows the story of the young woman who was to be stoned to death for adultery. Jesus paused and then instructed the crowd, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7b ESV

As all her accusers left one by one, Jesus did not condemn her either but sent her away and told her to leave her life of sin.

I think we all have had situations where, for one reason or another, we chose not to reflect the light of Jesus. We are none of us perfect, no, not one. But this week, I challenge each of us to examine our interactions with others and evaluate our reflection of Jesus’ “light of life.” You may be the only “light” some people see in a day. Reflect the light of Jesus and draw others to Him. They will want to know what you have that makes you shine so brightly!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we strive to reflect the “light of life,” Jesus, to others.

Blessings as you shine the light!

7 comments

  2. Back in the day… I’d be the first one to fly off the handle. Now, I try my best to let words be gentle always. If I so need to screm.at the universe or yell at someone… I take a walk. Could be a mile and jut talk with God. but by the time I get back, I’ve forgotten the issue.
    It ain’t perfect, but im trying.

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  3. This is really tough sometimes. I think back on my life and my situation growing up in a dysfunctional family and going to school in a one-religion-dominated state and not fitting in anywhere…and I recall so much anger on my part, so much helplessness at my situation, and feeling abandoned by everyone. I recall times I said and did things I still regret to this day. I recall the shame and poor choices I’ve made. I must remind myself I’m only human, and fallibility is part of life. I treat others much better than I treat myself, so I still have a lot of work to do at this late date. Perfection is not my goal. I just want to find a place where I can accept myself without beating myself up over inconsequential things. I absolutely believe in treating others with kindness and respect. Loving my enemies is much more difficult, especially in this current darkness. Work-in-progress here…

    Thanks for another inspiring essay, Peggy. Lots of food for thought here, my friend. 😊

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    • Mike, I can’t begin to imagine all that you have experienced, from the trauma of your childhood to the loss of your hearing. But I see you as one of the kindest people I’ve met, even if it is only online. You have a beautiful soul, encouraging others even when you are discouraged. Your poetry and your photos help others see beauty and healing.
      Perhaps all you need is to be kinder to yourself, my friend. To see yourself as God sees you, His amazing creation, and as others see you, an honest, open, and talented poet and photographer and genuinely nice man.
      Blessings, my friend!

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