Be the Bright Spot

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us....

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

It’s amazing to me just how much God loves each one of us. When He created the heavens and earth, He wasn’t just trying to keep busy or do something constructive. He created everything we see for you and me. All of creation is an expression of His true love for us!

One time, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “Joyce, I do so many things for people every day because I love them, and they don’t even see it.” Then He gave me this example: “Every day, when I speak to the sun and say, ‘Rise,” I do it for you.” (Matthew 5:45-47).

Think about that. The sun rises every day in the sky for you. When the rain comes and waters the crops, it rains for you. When the grass grows and the flowers bloom, it’s for you!

God has also created each one of us as an expression of His love. Second Corinthians 5:20 says, We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us... (NIV).

I believe one of the greatest opportunities we have as Christians is to be the bright spot in people’s lives and be a reminder that God loves them. This scripture takes it even further. God is saying that He is making His appeal—or attracting and drawing people to Him—through us. What an incredible privilege!

Just think, each one of us can be a source of hope and encouragement to those around us. It can be as simple as saying something positive to a person you work with or letting them know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes, I will take a moment to tell someone how much God loves them and wants to bless them. Our words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21), and a word of encouragement at the right time can literally transform someone’s entire day.

I don’t believe God wants us to just be spectators in life. He wants us to be people who really love others and care enough to help make their lives better. And as we reach out to people and choose to be a blessing—a bright spot in hopeless places—they begin to see what God is like, and it causes them to grow in their relationship with Him.

And can I let you in on a secret? The more you become a source of hope for others, the more your own life will be filled with joy and hope. Galatians 6:7 (ESV) says, …For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

Today, find a way to let someone know they are loved and special—maybe someone who needs a word of encouragement or a sign that God still cares about them. We never know what challenges people face or how much they can use a kind word or a reminder that God loves them.

You can be the bright spot in someone’s day…and give them a reason to hope.

Prayer Starter: “Lord, thank You for all of the ways You show us Your unconditional love! Please use me today and every day to share that love with others around me. I ask that You will help me to be mindful of others and their needs. Let me be a good ambassador for You, pointing people to Your love, kindness, and good plan for their lives. Help me to be a bright spot and make a difference everywhere I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.”