Light Shining Is Love

Reference passages:

Matthew 5:16 NIV

[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

[10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

[19]  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

How do we "let our light shine before men?" What does it mean?

It means loving all mankind equally no matter what.

Love is having already decided in advance how we will treat everyone who crosses our path, no matter what. (Note: This love is not always laced with emotions or feelings though it can be.)

Treating everyone as I.Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us to:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. NIrV

[4] Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. [5] It does not dishonor other people. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs. [6] Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. [7] It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. [8a.] Love never fails. 

To keep it simple look at Romans 13:10a....

Romans 13:10a. NIV

[10] Love does no harm to a neighbor...

We decide in advance not to harm or bring harm on our fellowman in any way at any time. 

Easier said than done? Yes within ourselves, but not with God.

Matthew 19:26b. NIV

[26b.]...but with God all things are possible.

Being led by the Holy Spirit, we can love this way.

THIS is letting our "light shine."

We lay down our lives for people in love just as Jesus did. 

We are like doctors who are on-call, ready to help at a moments notice, anytime day or night. We help with anything in any way.

1 John 3:16-18 NIV

[16] This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [17] If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

When we show them we love and care for them by what we do, THEN they will "glorify the Father in heaven." These will be those "good works God prepared in advance for us to do." This is how we "store up treasures in heaven."

So, let's let our lights shine by loving all people like Jesus did no matter what!!

John 13:34-35 NIV

[34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Why do this? So they can be saved too!!

CONTACT ME AT: postjeff0321@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you!!! 

*Are you saved? If not, please read my blog post "Are You Saved?"

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Love you all,

Jeffrey Post