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Turn On Your Light!

See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Luke 11:35

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

In Luke 11:35, Jesus warns His disciples to guard their inner light—to remain vigilant so that their hearts are not clouded by hypocrisy, bitterness, or pride. Light here represents truth, clarity, and spiritual integrity. Darkness symbolizes self-deception or moral compromise.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus affirms that true light is not hidden but shines outward through visible deeds. This “light” is not just private belief but public witness. Our lives are meant to reflect God’s character in both word and deed, so that others are drawn not to our glory but to the glory of God.

Together, these verses remind us that the condition of the heart shapes both what we say and how we act. Words without integrity are empty, and actions without love are hollow.

Let’s Reflect:

How often do we underestimate the impact of our words and actions? A careless comment can dim another’s light. A compassionate word can rekindle hope. Likewise, actions done in anger or selfishness cast shadows, while deeds done in service and love radiate God’s presence.

Jesus calls us to live attentively watching our inner lives (Luke 11:35) and reflecting that watchfulness outward (Matthew 5:16). We are both stewards of inner light and bearers of outward light. Our speech and our actions are lamps that either reveal God’s love or obscure it.

• Examine Your Words: Before speaking, ask—Will this bring light or cast a shadow?
• Align Your Actions: Seek to embody kindness, justice, and compassion, especially when it costs you something.
• Guard Your Light: Nourish your soul with prayer, Scripture, and community so that your light does not flicker into darkness.
• Shine Intentionally: Remember that even ordinary actions—listening, serving, encouraging—become extraordinary when done for God’s glory.

Your daily witness is not in grand gestures alone but in consistent faithfulness. When words and deeds align, others see the authenticity of God’s light shining through you. So, Turn On YOUR LIGHT!

Lord of Light, 

Guard the lamp within my heart so that it does not grow dim. Let my words be seasoned with grace, and my actions shaped by love. May the light You have kindled in me shine so brightly that others are drawn not to me, but to You—the source of all truth and goodness. Help me watch my words and actions, so that in everything I do, Your name is glorified. Amen.

Love & Light,

Rev. Sondrea l. Tolbert, J.D., M.Div.

Executive Director & CEO