What does it look like to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16)?

Answer

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus states, “Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” It is not our light that should shine before others, but the light of Christ entrusted to believers as light-bearers (cf. John 1:8). Essentially, we do not generate the light within us; it is God who does. Through our good deeds, people may praise the One who provides that light.

One way to illuminate our light before others is by demonstrating compassion. Jesus showed profound compassion for all individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity, social status, gender, or personal convictions (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 15:32; Mark 6:34). As Christians, we should emulate His example by displaying compassion and kindness to everyone.

Another method to showcase our light before others is by practicing humility (Philippians 2:1-11). Christians are urged to be humble in all aspects, recognizing that it is solely through God’s grace that we “live and move and have our being” «for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. », (Acts 17:28). Humility also entails being willing to confess our sins before God and others (Luke 15:21; James 5:16). By doing so, we exhibit our openness to correction and guidance «He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: But he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. », (Proverbs 15:32).

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Generosity is another way of allowing our light to shine before others. Christians are encouraged to be generous with their finances, time, resources, and love (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:16). Ultimately, everything we possess belongs to God: “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” (Deuteronomy 10:14). Therefore, we should share our blessings from God with those in need and give without expecting anything in return: “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” (Luke 6:30).

Forgiveness is also a way of allowing our light to shine before others. Jesus taught us to forgive others just as we have been forgiven (Matthew 18:15-20; cf: Ephesians 4:32). Hence, we should strive for reconciliation with those who have harmed us—and with those whom we have harmed—to foster peace and unity (cf: Ephesians 2:14).

There are numerous ways to let our light shine before others. We can volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, contribute financially to a charitable organization, or show kindness and compassion to someone in need. We can also listen attentively to a friend going through a difficult period and offer words of support, or we can simply smile and greet a stranger on the street (cf: Hebrews 13:2).

Arguably, the most effective way to let our light shine before others is by sharing the gospel, the “good news,” with them. The good news is that God saves sinners through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

If we believe in the person and work of Christ (who He is and what He did), then we are saved from eternal condemnation. We should not keep this message to ourselves; good news is meant to be shared, and we should make it visible for everyone to see «Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: », (Matthew 28:19).

The ultimate purpose of letting our light shine before others is not to draw attention to ourselves or to promote our own interests; rather, it is about living in such a way that others will glorify our Father in heaven. Of course, this is not an easy task. It can be difficult to maintain a spirit of compassion, humility, generosity, and forgiveness in a world that is often characterized by hatred, anger, and division. We may even be met with resistance and opposition (Matthew 10:16; John 15:18). But we are not alone. We have the Holy Spirit within us, and He empowers and guides us to reflect the glory of God.