Only Light Can Do ThatSample

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King hurried through the night. His wife and children were waiting at home for him. He looked forward to his son's and daughter’s excited cries when he walked through the door and to the warm meal in the kitchen. Beyond the street, shadows loomed. Was someone watching him? Dr. King followed the path of the streetlights that brightened his way and soon arrived home.

Like a streetlight helps us see when it is dark outside, Dr. King encouraged people to shine God’s light and love for others to see—just like Jesus said in Matthew 5:14. Jesus taught that kindness and peace brighten our dark world. Violence is dark. It will only grow darker when answered with more violence. Hate is dark. It will never be beaten by dark, hate-filled words or actions. But love is a bright light. Love is welcoming, kind, and helpful. It brings people together. Like light and darkness, love and hate can’t both be in control. One will be stronger.

Dr. King chose to be a light for Jesus. He shone by preaching about God’s love. He encouraged people to love their neighbors. He protested unjust laws. He spoke up for the rights of all people. And like God, he accepted people of different races and cultures.

With God’s help, you can drive out the darkness of evil as Jesus did in His time on earth, and as He did through Dr. King. Here are a few ways to act and speak to brighten the world:

• Be the first to apologize and to accept apologies from others.
• Keep being a friend when you’re mad at someone.
• Accept people from different races, cultures, and abilities as they are—created by God as unique individuals.
• Be kind to everyone at your school and in your neighborhood.
• Stand up to bullying.
• Pray about the problems you see and for the hurting people you meet.

Being light in dark places will make you stick out, like a glowing city on a hill. Some people won’t like that about you. Others will want to be near your brilliance. Let your light—your love for Jesus—shine every day. The world needs you. Shine so people can see the path of love and peace.

You can drive out darkness with light powered by God’s Spirit.

Lord, help me be the light that shows others Your love. Show me peaceful ways to create change.