In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

I have a sign hanging over the inside of our front door that says, “Be the Light,” and before I send my kids off to school each morning, I ask them, “How are you going to bless someone today?” I want them to really think about this and be intentional about saying a kind word to someone, talking to the person who doesn’t feel included, or just being present and listening to a friend. These little acts of kindness don’t take much effort on our part, but they can make such a difference to the person that feels discouraged, unseen, or unheard.

Jesus, the light of the world, showed us example after example of how he cared for others—he healed the sick and afflicted, he sought out the outcasts, and he spent time with his people, listening to their cares and leading them to the Father.

Our kindness, love, and acts of service can encourage our believing friends and introduce nonbelievers to the One who loved them enough to die for them. Even in their elementary years, my kids’ intentional acts of kindness helped them develop sweet, sincere friendships with other believers and even led to some great spiritual conversations with classmates who didn’t know Jesus.

It’s so humbling to think that we can be the light to people around us—that God’s love shining through us can lead people to the Father.

So, how are you going to bless someone today?

Melanie H