What does it look like to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16)?
Introduction:
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells his followers, “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.” This verse comes as part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he lays out what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom. In this passage, Jesus uses the metaphor of light to explain how his followers should live in a dark world. When we let our light shine through good works, it points people to the God we serve.
So what does it mean to let our light shine before others? Based on the context of this passage and the rest of Scripture, we can understand it in a few key ways:
1. Shining our light means living out our faith through good works (vv. 9000 words)
Jesus says we are to let our light shine before others “so that they may see your good works.” Good works refer to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as well as doing acts of service and meeting practical needs (Titus 3:14). As Christians, we must back up our words with Christ-like actions that are rooted in God’s love.
Some examples of good works include:
– Giving generously to those in need (Proverbs 19:17, Acts 20:35)
– Volunteering at a homeless shelter or food bank
– Visiting those who are sick or in prison (Matthew 25:36)
– Helping a neighbor in tangible ways
– Creating something that benefits the community
– Using our gifts and talents to serve others (1 Peter 4:10)
– Standing up for injustice and oppression (Isaiah 1:17)
Our good works should be done with the right motives—out of love for God and others, not to earn salvation or gain men’s praise (Matthew 6:1-4). We serve because Christ first served us (Mark 10:45). Our light shines through working as “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10).
When we live out our faith in practical ways, it catches people’s attention and shows what God is like. As Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Our Christlike actions point to the light of Jesus in us.
2. Shining our light means living out godly character (vv. 6000 words)
In addition to good works, our light shines through our character—who we are. Jesus is not only concerned about outward actions but also the heart attitudes behind them.
Here are some areas where our character can shine light:
– Love – Showing unselfish, sacrificial love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:7-12)
– Joy – Having inner gladness amidst trials (John 15:11, James 1:2)
– Peace – Exuding tranquility trusting God’s sovereignty (Philippians 4:6-7)
– Patience – Bearing with others and situations without anger (Ephesians 4:2, Proverbs 14:29)
– Kindness – Demonstrating gentleness and compassion (Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:32)
– Goodness – Pursuing moral excellence (Romans 12:9, 3 John 1:11)
– Faithfulness – Being dependable and consistent (Proverbs 3:3-4, Matthew 25:21)
– Gentleness – Responding considerately, not harshly (Philippians 4:5, 2 Timothy 2:24-25)
– Self-control – Keeping desires and actions in check (Proverbs 25:28, Titus 2:11-13)
As we allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate godly virtues in our lives, it brightens our light. People notice when someone has an excellent spirit as Daniel did (Daniel 5:12). Our Christlike character stands out against the darkness.
We reflect God’s holy image best when paired with good works. As James says, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Shining light means embodying godliness in how we live.
3. Shining our light means proclaiming the gospel (vv. 3000 words)
In addition to godly living, our light shines when we proclaim the gospel message. Jesus told his disciples “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and commissioned them to spread this light globally, “making disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Part of shining light means testifying about Christ’s saving work. We are called to be “witness of these things” (Luke 24:48) and make disciples by “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). Our words should match our lifestyle.
Here are some ways we can shine gospel light:
– Share your testimony of God’s work in your life
– Talk about Christ’s love and sacrifice for sins
– Explain the offer of salvation and forgiveness of sins
– Invite someone to put faith in Jesus and be born again
– Teach biblical truth and principles
– Warn others to turn from darkness to light (Acts 26:18)
– Disciple new believers in following Jesus
The gospel is illuminating good news in a dark world. It provides the ultimate hope people need. As Christ’s ambassadors, we spread light by sharing the message of redemption.
However, we should take care to do this with humility, compassion and sensitivity to listeners’ needs. Our goal is that they would see God’s grace, not just hear our words. We shine by focusing on Christ’s light, not our own.
4. Shining our light means living with boldness and joy (vv. 2000 words)
To let our light shine, we must have boldness to live out our faith authentically without fear. Jesus told his followers not to hide their light but to let it shine brightly (Luke 11:33). We honor God when we courageously obey Him regardless of circumstances.
Shining light also involves maintaining a joyful spirit. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It removes any victim or martyr complex. Serving God with gladness softens the message of truth we proclaim. Joy reflects that God’s commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3) but rather lead to blessing.
Here are some ways to shine with boldness and joy:
– Speak God’s truth with grace and love
– Share controversial beliefs politely
– Follow Christ’s example in the face of opposition
– Forgive those who wrong you
– Rejoice amidst trials and persecution (James 1:2, Acts 5:41)
– Praise God for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
– Remain upbeat when sharing the gospel
– Don’t shy away from Christian activities at school/work
– Participate in public prayer boldly
Shining light attracts people to Christ. Darkness hates the light and may push back against it (John 3:19-20). But we must not let fear stop us from shining. When we glow with gospel joy and stand strong in God’s strength, the light cuts through the darkness.
5. Shining our light means depending on Christ to work through us (vv. 1000 words)
As we’ve seen, shining light involves both godly living and gospel witness. However, we must remember that we only reflect Christ’s light; we are not the source. Jesus reminds us, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5) but also encourages “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Our role is to remain connected to Christ through studying his Word and communicating with him daily. We shine by depending on Jesus to live through us by His Spirit. As Paul said, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). The Holy Spirit cultivates Christlike character in us as we yield to Him.
We shine most brightly when we direct attention to Jesus rather than ourselves. He is the true, unparalleled light of the world. We merely reflect his glory as the moon reflects the sun. Our task is simply to continually soak in His radiant presence so that Christ shines excellently through our lives. When people see our good works, character and gospel witness, they will glorify God our Father (Matthew 5:16).
Shining light means humbly relying on grace to let “Christ be formed in you” (Galatians 4:19) each day. It’s not about being perfect but authentically making Jesus known through our lives. As we walk closely with him, the light of his love and truth will illuminate the darkness around us.
Conclusion:
Matthew 5:16 gives us a powerful charge to let our light shine brightly before others. This happens most fully when our lives are characterized by: good works that serve others, Christlike character produced by the Spirit, bold gospel proclamation, joy amidst trials, and humble dependence on Christ to live through us. As we live out our faith authentically, the light of God’s love and truth will cut through the darkness and draw people to glorify our Father in heaven. May we passionately pursue shining for Jesus wherever He has placed us!