We Are The Church: You Are The Church (Pt. 2)
Overview
In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus implores us to be the light of the world, emphasizing the importance of shining brightly amidst darkness. This message holds a universal truth: our actions and attitudes can influence the lives of others in profound ways.
Being a light in the world means living with integrity, kindness, and compassion. It means standing up for justice, helping those in need, and radiating positivity in a world often marred by negativity. Our light serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding others toward the path of righteousness.
Moreover, the impact of our light is not confined to our immediate surroundings. Like a ripple in a pond, our actions resonate and inspire others to do the same, creating a chain reaction of goodness. This notion highlights the responsibility we all bear to illuminate the world with our deeds.
In a world often plagued by darkness, being a light is not just a noble endeavor but an imperative. It signifies our commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. By living out the principles in Matthew 5:14-16, we fulfill our purpose and contribute to a brighter, more compassionate world for all.
Read
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
1 John 1:5-6 NIV
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
Discuss
There is a lot of scripture that references both the importance of light and our role connected to light. What do you think “being a light” looks like today?
Read Matthew 5:14-16.
Why is it important that we don’t just surround ourselves with other “lights”?
Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of not hiding one's light under a basket but rather letting it shine for all to see? What might be the consequences of hiding one's light in today's society?
Pastor Reggie mentioned a difference between light being blinding and being useful. What are some things we can do to make an effort to be a comforting or useful light in people’s lives instead of a harsh and condemning one?
Reflect: Who are some people you think exemplify being a light (a source of joy, peace, comfort, determination, etc.)? Why? What is an example you can point to that they stood apart from everyone and everything else?
In this passage, Jesus marks 3 distinct areas for which we are to be light: the world, our city, and our home. What keeps you, as a believer, from shining your light in the world, the city, and at your home?
Challenge: Who in your life can you be light to this week? What steps can we encourage you to take to be a source of life for those around you?
Call to Action
Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus implores us to be the light of the world, and this call remains as relevant today as it was in ancient times. It's a reminder that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the world around us. Therefore, let us respond to this call by actively striving to be lights in our communities and beyond. This week we encourage you to:
Embrace Compassion: Start by cultivating a heart of compassion and empathy. Seek out opportunities to help those in need, whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, assisting a neighbor, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in distress.
Share Your Faith: If you're a person of faith, openly share your beliefs and values with others. Engage in respectful conversations that allow you to share the light of your faith, helping others find spiritual guidance and meaning.
Shine Your Light: In the face of challenges or discouragement, remember that even the smallest acts of goodness can dispel darkness. Don't be afraid to shine brightly and be unapologetically true to your values.
