Choose to Shine

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

It’s the person who loves brother and sister who dwells in God’s light and doesn’t block the light from others. – (1 John 2:10, MSG)

I appreciate the Message translation of this verse tremendously, as it is a powerful reminder that when we choose love, we allow God’s light to shine, yet when we do not, we can actually block the light that God’s love intended for them to receive. God calls and equips us to love yet created us with a free will to choose. As we choose to love, we choose to allow the loving light of God to shine through us to the world. The people around us become more like family, and our hearts expand to give and receive as we were designed through allowing love to lead in all that we say and do. This is not always easy or natural, yet it is always worthwhile. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in His love so that we may shine His loving light on all who are near us.

When we choose to love,

Christ’s light is made clear;

His love is poured out,

To all who are near.

Brothers and sisters,

Family and friends;

All who cross our path,

For love to extend.

What’s incredible,

Is there’s always more;

The light of God’s love,

Will always endure.

Lord, help us to choose,

To share well Your light;

And love each other,

For Your love delights.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love and share Your light wherever we go and whatever we do. Thank You that You fill us to overflowing when we seek You. Forgive us for the times that we have not chosen love and have hidden the light that You intended to shine through us. Teach us to ever trust in You and to follow the path that You have placed before us. Lead us to love well so that all around us may know the lavish light of Your love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to lead us to love one another as sisters and brothers as we allow Your light to shine. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. – Proverbs 13:9

The Light of Love

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing to make them stumble. – (1 John 2:10, NIV)

Those who love their brothers and sisters live in the light, and there is nothing in them that will make them do wrong. – (1 John 2:10, ERV)

Anyone who loves his brother or sister lives in the light and will not trip because his conscience is clear. – (1 John 2:10, VOICE)

I think God gave us dogs to show us what it is to love each other. Dogs love their people, and are quick to demonstrate their love and affection. They do not judge others by appearances, but rather seem to sense the heart and what it needs, and simply love. Loyal and protective, tender and sweet, pups remind us that we can be loving, discerning, and kind, yet protect in strength when necessary. Imagine what the world would be like if we all loved similarly. People would greet each other with joy, and seek to befriend everyone throughout each day. Of course there are times when we must use wisdom and keep at safe distance, yet we can choose to love through lifting one another up, rather than allowing frustrations or fears to cause us to act or speak in a way that does not demonstrate love. Each time that we choose love, we are encouraging others to do the same. May we ever seek the Lord to show us how to love others and live in His light, so that no word or deed would lead others in a direction they are not meant to go.

Lord, teach us to love,

Sisters and brothers;

Be kind and give strength,

Give grace to others.

Show us what to do,

So Your love is shown;

Keep darkness from us,

And make Your heart known.

May all that we do,

And all that we say;

Lead others to love,

Throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to love one another as You love each of us. Thank You that You show us what it is to love through those who have gone before us, and those who surround us. Forgive us for the times that our words or actions have displayed anything other than Your love and grace. Teach us how to love our sisters and brothers as You call us to love. Show us how to be light and life and love in such a way, that hearts are turned to You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we pursue a life of loving You and loving those around us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them. – Psalm 44:3

We Belong to the Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth). – (Ephesians 5:8-9, NIV)

In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light. This light produces every kind of goodness, right living, and truth. – (Ephesians 5:8-9, ERV)

Because, although you were once the personification of darkness, you are now light in the Lord. So act like children of the light. For the fruit of the light is all that is good, right, and true. – (Ephesians 5:8-9, VOICE)

 

This passage from Ephesians 5, reminds us of the transformative power of the light of Christ in our lives. Though we once were full of darkness, when we at last allowed the light of Christ to enter in, the darkness could not remain. Light and darkness cannot coexist. As a light is ignited, darkness disappears. All that was previously hidden under the cloak of shadows in the absence of light, suddenly comes into view when light is allowed in. The light that comes and fills us and transforms us, so that we may bear fruit that is good, right and true. May we ever keep the door of our heart open, so that the light of Christ may flood every corner with His transformative power, producing every kind of goodness, right living and truth.

 

No more in darkness,

In Christ, we are light;

Flooded to bear fruit,

And do what is right.

The fruit is goodness,

The way that we love;

Right living in truth,

Through grace from above.

Leave behind darkness,

Walk full in His light;

Live a life fruitful,

Love well, do what’s right.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we invite You in, the darkness disappears, and Your light floods our existence. Thank You that in the light of Your love, we are called to bear the fruit that illuminates Your heart to the world. Thank You that You grow us in righteousness, goodness, and truth as we invest our lives in knowing more of You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to walk in the light that You have called us into. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would live lives that bear Your fruit. Show us how to love those around us with goodness, truth and right living in a way that points people unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we live in the light of Your love and walk in Your goodness, righteousness and truth. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. – 1 John 2:10