“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand — shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14 (Message version)
I was stopped in my tracks by this verse from the Bible yesterday. With all the talk of color, I was struck by how he talks about being a light and bringing out the God-colors. I love that analogy. I also love how he talks about being generous with our lives and the results of that. I want to be someone who generously exudes love and kindness to everyone. Even though that is my heart intention, I have no doubt that I have said and done things along the way, unintentionally, that have caused hurt or pain to someone who is different than me. Today, let’s all examine ourselves and be ever mindful of our words. Some of us would never say we are racist, but every time we single out someone who is different than us in a negative connotation, we are being racist.
The only way to be a bright spot, a light, in the midst of so much pain, suffering, and heartache, is to generously love others as God so generously loves humankind.