Light from within

Light

There's no wrong.
There's no disorder.
There's no bitterness.
It does not criticize.
There's no hatred.

It is merciful.
It gives hope.
It shines peacefulness.
It radiates love.
It comforts us.

Jose Abenchuchan talked about us being the light of the world and salt of the earth (Mt. 5:13-16). He gave us a perfect illustration as if we are a diamond in a dark world. If the whole world (people) are pure white, there's no need for us to be diamonds (Christ-like). But the world is full of sin (darkness) and it is very important that we be diamonds before the eyes of the world.

Imagine this. Most of us have diamond rings and it is visible during the day time. If you went into a dark room, would you be able to see your own diamond ring? I don't think so. So a diamond alone means nothing. It is just a piece of rock. This is true for those who claim to be Christians (faith) but have no deeds (James 2:26). However, if light were to come into the dark room, it would sparkle and shine catching even the smallest glimmers of light and reflecting them all over the room.

Brothers and sisters, without the Word (Christ), we are diamonds in a dark room. We cannot shine and display all the wondrous beauty God made us to have without His light. When we walk with Christ, His love is reflected in us and then we shine and sparkle so brightly that others see us and want what we have — God's love, mercy, and grace revealed in the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:6, ".."Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

Father God, thank You for the light we have in our hearts. Pray that we will shine Your light with rays of peace, joy, compassion, and love. When the diamond of our heart does not shine Your light, we will know it is tampered with bitterness, envy, criticism, or even lukewarmness. Please forgive us if we have these and lead us to a more clearer Christ-like living. Let's live our lives like we are diamonds that let the floodlight of Jesus shine down on us! May the world see Your love through us! In Jesus' Name, Amen!

1 Peter 2:12, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."