Friday February 5th, 2016 5th Sunday after Epiphany Matthew 5:13-20
"You are the light of the world." (verse 14)
When I was in Grade 4 my parents were going through a nasty divorce. This affected my ability to focus in class. I think I set the school record for most times being sent to the principal’s office. My Grade 4 teacher’s response to my misbehaviour was very hurtful. He told me that I wasn’t going to amount to much in my life.
In my profession, I come across a lot of people who suffer from insecurities because they heard messages similar to the one I heard. We hear a lot of negative messages about ourselves, not only from people, but from media like television and the internet. I’m not skinny enough. I’m not smart enough. I’m not fiscally responsible enough. I’m not good enough. I don’t have enough experience.
How often do we think a negative thought about ourselves? How often do we let these thoughts stop us from reaching our potential?
Jesus says we are the light of the world. Jesus challenges us to see that we do have the gifts to do good in our lives. When we are able to get past our insecurities and believe in ourselves the way Jesus believes in us, then the people we encounter experience God’s grace and love.
Loving God, open our eyes to see that we indeed are the light of the world. Amen. — WHB
Contributed by We Are Created to Shine
When I was in Grade 4 my parents were going through a nasty divorce. This affected my ability to focus in class. I think I set the school record for most times being sent to the principal's office. My Grade 4 teacher's response to my misbehaviour was very hurtful. He told me that I wasn't going to amount to much in my life.
In my profession, I come across a lot of people who suffer from insecurities because they heard messages similar to the one I heard. We hear a lot of negative messages about ourselves, not only from people, but from media like television and the internet. I'm not skinny enough. I'm not smart enough. I'm not fiscally responsible enough. I'm not good enough. I don't have enough experience.
How often do we think a negative thought about ourselves? How often do we let these thoughts stop us from reaching our potential?
Jesus says we are the light of the world. Jesus challenges us to see that we do have the gifts to do good in our lives. When we are able to get past our insecurities and believe in ourselves the way Jesus believes in us, then the people we encounter experience God's grace and love.