Daily Devotional: Let Your Light Shine in a Broken World

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus tells his disciples, “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.” These words resonate deeply in today’s divided society, where tribal mindsets often overshadow the call to love and grace.

As Christians, we are called to be the light of the world, offering hope and encouragement to others through our actions and attitudes. In a world marked by divisions between Christians and non-Christians, Republicans and Democrats, it’s easy to fall into the trap of tribalism. However, Jesus’s words remind us that our primary allegiance is not to any political party or social group but to God, whose glory should be our ultimate aim.

The apostle Paul exemplified this principle when he wrote, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Paul’s willingness to adapt his approach to different cultural contexts demonstrates the importance of empathy and understanding in sharing the message of Christ.

Unfortunately, not all who claim the name of Christ adhere to this principle. Some use their platform to berate and condemn others, rather than embodying the love and grace of Christ. Whether it’s belittling the transgender community or disparaging younger generations, such behavior is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus.

Instead, as Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to treat others with respect and care, regardless of our differences. While we may not always agree, everyone deserves to be valued and treated with dignity as fellow image-bearers of God.