Shine in a Way That Draws People In
“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.” – Matthew 5:16
When Jesus told His followers to let their light shine, He didn’t just mean any kind of light. The word He used for “good” in this verse was kalos, not just morally good, but beautiful, attractive, winsome. That word matters. Because how we shine in this world isn’t just about doing right. It’s about doing right in a way that reflects the heart of God.
Some believers shine in a way that blinds people. Cold. Harsh. Loud. It’s truth without grace, conviction without love. That kind of light doesn’t draw people to Jesus. It pushes them away. But Jesus wasn’t telling us to shine with self-righteousness or superiority. He was calling us to shine with warmth. With compassion. With lives that radiate something so compelling, people want to know more.
Real light doesn't just expose darkness. It invites people toward hope. It makes them feel seen, not shamed. Known, not condemned.
That doesn’t mean compromising truth. But it does mean living it out in a way that reflects Jesus Himself. He didn’t water down righteousness, but sinners still ran toward Him. Why? Because He was approachable. Because His love was real. Because His goodness had beauty.
The light you shine should be holy, but also human. Firm in truth, but full of grace. It should cause people to wonder what you have that they don’t. And when they ask, your answer won’t point to you. It’ll point to Him.
You are the light of the world. Shine in a way that helps people find their way home.
When Jesus told His followers to let their light shine, He didn’t just mean any kind of light. The word He used for “good” in this verse was kalos, not just morally good, but beautiful, attractive, winsome. That word matters. Because how we shine in this world isn’t just about doing right. It’s about doing right in a way that reflects the heart of God.
Some believers shine in a way that blinds people. Cold. Harsh. Loud. It’s truth without grace, conviction without love. That kind of light doesn’t draw people to Jesus. It pushes them away. But Jesus wasn’t telling us to shine with self-righteousness or superiority. He was calling us to shine with warmth. With compassion. With lives that radiate something so compelling, people want to know more.
Real light doesn't just expose darkness. It invites people toward hope. It makes them feel seen, not shamed. Known, not condemned.
That doesn’t mean compromising truth. But it does mean living it out in a way that reflects Jesus Himself. He didn’t water down righteousness, but sinners still ran toward Him. Why? Because He was approachable. Because His love was real. Because His goodness had beauty.
The light you shine should be holy, but also human. Firm in truth, but full of grace. It should cause people to wonder what you have that they don’t. And when they ask, your answer won’t point to you. It’ll point to Him.
You are the light of the world. Shine in a way that helps people find their way home.
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