The Heart of God Towards the Poor and SufferingSample

The ultimate goal in everything we do is that glory would be given to God. How does that happen? In the beginning of verse 16, it says to “let.” “Let” denotes a choice given to a person for a light to be seen by others. In verse 15, it describes that people don’t light a lamp and put it under a basket. In the same way, why take what God has given you and hide it from others? It only makes sense that we let our redeemed lives shine before others so that God would be given full glory for the change.

The verse also talks about good works. It is by the good works we do that people see God’s influence in our lives and His care for others. It goes back to hiding what we have been given. If you believe that your salvation is for yourself and you have no need to do any good work, then you’re missing a bigger picture. It is by faith that we are saved, but it is by our good works that God is glorified.

When we serve the poor and suffering, the greatest thing we could hope for by that act of kindness is that the person we are serving would see God being lived out in our lives and have the desire to know Him In the same way. If we do the act without “letting” God shine through us, we are missing a huge part of serving others. Let us be Christians who daily serve others wholeheartedly and allow God to shine through our good works so that others will see God in us and be prompted to worship Him!

When you serve others, do it with joy. Make it a priority to do something small for another with a big smile and open heart. Let the people around you see God working through you.