How To Let Your Light Shine

Jesus is the light of the world. His light dispels darkness and brings life, but that’s not the end of the story. He told his disciples – which includes us:

 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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 5:14–16 (ESV)

We used to sing a little chorus: This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. What does that mean and how do we do it?

It is helpful to break spiritual light into a prism just like natural light.

The prism of light

I’ve identified seven colors of light as we see in the life of Jesus (and which we ideally see in our lives as well). Jesus is our perfect example of letting a light shine and every aspect of light was demonstrated in his life!

Love

Let’s be hard on ourselves right away. Love is demanding. It requires effort and commitment. Jesus set a very high standard.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:12 (ESV)

How did he love us? He gave his life. First to come down, then to live among us and die for our sins.

What does that look like for us? What will we give up for each other? We may not have to lay down our lives for one another, but will we give up our rights, our way, our will, our comfort, our everything? Does his command give us another option?

We are also called upon to love our enemies and those who oppose us. Jesus said:

I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Luke 6:27–28 (ESV)

Loving those who love us and bring joy into our lives is easy. But the love that God demands is love that brings light into other people’s lives. That light does not distinguish between good and bad or friend and enemy but is for everyone.

Let your love shine!

Grace

We live by God’s grace. Grace is an expression of love with Jesus as our example. We are called to be gracious which means we give unconditionally. This means we don’t look for worthiness in people as a condition for doing good for them. We give what people don’t deserve. Remember that Jesus came full of grace and truth (John 1:14, 17) which clearly makes grace and foundation for the next aspect of light.

Grace is light shining into the lives of the undeserving. Let your grace shine!

Truth

Truth is always measured by God’s Word. Contrary to popular belief, there is an absolute. If your truth doesn’t align with God’s Word it’s not truth.

Truth is always expressed with a motive of love. Even God’s rebukes are to bring us back to him and if we cannot express truth without love, we should hold it in.

Truth is full of empathy and will gently guide people into the light of God. Let your truth shine!

Mercy

So often grace and mercy are linked. We recognize grace as something given that is undeserved. Mercy can be recognized by a deserved negative consequence that is withheld. Forgiveness is a very profound expression of mercy. Mercy is unconditional.  

Nearly every day we can find a reason to be offended. A colleague of mine once suggested that some people are determined to be offended. And even if you are not one of those people, you will be offended from time to time, either intentionally or accidentally.

Mercy is a powerful tool. Forgiveness disarms offense and brings peace to the offended and the offender alike! God helps you forgive, so let your mercy shine!

Compassion

Compassion is closely related to mercy. It’s an expression of love, mercy and grace! It truly combines all the qualities of those things. It can be very tangible and is always encouraging which has the added value of being self-reciprocating. Compassion brings peace and comfort. Often, people feel like they are ill equipped to effectively express compassion. One profound expression of compassion is simply a ministry of presence. Being with someone who is experiencing suffering, trials or difficulties communicates the reality that you are there and that you care. This makes a difference.

Compassion can find work every day because no matter where you are you will experience people in desperate need of compassion. Ask God to open your eyes to express compassion and then let your compassion shine!

Good works

Jesus lived a life of good works. He includes good works as a way of making our light shine. It means actively helping those in need. Good works are powerful and transformational. They include helping one another, encouraging one another and building people up not tearing them down. One of the great beauties of good works is that they not only help those we reach out to, they help us as well. Great satisfaction accompanies good works because they strengthen our faith and our purpose. Let your good works shine!

Glorifying God

When we truly let our lights shine, God is glorified. Letting our lights shine means the power of God’s Spirit is working through our lives. We will do things we could not otherwise do and it will glorify God!

Your Turn for Your Light to Shine

Are you ready to let your light really shine? Let your light shine! Make the changes that are necessary in your life to let it shine! I pray that as you live your life, your light will shine ever brighter