A New Year: A Call to Reflect God’s Love (Matt. 5:16)
Each new year can feel overwhelming as we look at the long list of goals and resolutions we set for ourselves. We often tell ourselves, “This year, I’ll read my Bible more, pray more, get fit, spend more time with loved ones, and be a better version of myself.” The start of a new year can seem like a fresh opportunity to prove what we can do, to show God, ourselves, and others that we are capable of great things. But the truth is, God doesn’t ask us to be perfect or to impress anyone. He simply calls us to love Him and love others. It’s a calling that’s simple, yet so profound.
As we strive to grow and better ourselves, let us remember that our greatest purpose is not to check off a long list of accomplishments, but to reflect God’s love and light in this dark world.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Our good works are not meant to point back to us, but to glorify God and draw others to His love. Will you join me this year in being a living reflection of His love, shining His light wherever we go? It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about being faithful in the little thing like showing kindness, offering grace, and sharing the hope of Christ in every interaction.
A Lesson in Patience and Love
My son is currently in college, and like most of us did at that age, he works long hours at an hourly job while going to school. Some days, he works from morning until very late at night, and his job is as a checker at one of the busiest places in town. There are days when he comes home feeling beaten down and exhausted by the way people treat him, especially those who are in a hurry and take their frustration out on him. He once told me, “If only one person would say something polite, it would help.”
I reminded him to keep praying for them and to be an example of Christ’s love, even when it’s not reciprocated. I also added, “And now you know how not to treat people.” It’s a hard lesson to learn at a young age, but it has shown me, too, how important it is to treat everyone with love and patience. We never know whose child we might be blessing or hurting with our words and actions.
We’ve all heard the saying, “You may be the only Jesus a person sees,” and that’s a responsibility we carry with honor. The Lord has already equipped us with everything we need: Jesus, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His forgiveness, love, wisdom, and strength. I may never change the entire world, but by keeping my lamp lit and burning bright, I can make a difference for His kingdom, one interaction at a time.