The Light from Our Front Door
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV
People learn something about a home before they ever sit in its living room. They hear how we speak across the driveway. They see whether we keep a promise. They notice how we treat a person who cannot return a favor.
Jesus tells His disciples to let their light shine so others glorify the Father. A Christian marriage has that opportunity together. We can offer a meal, welcome a lonely neighbor, or finish a job we agreed to do. The work does not need a photograph or a public explanation to be useful.
It also matters how we treat each other when company leaves. Courtesy for a visitor should not use up the kindness owed at home. Our witness has substance when the same care reaches our spouse in the kitchen and our neighbor at the door. Let the Lord receive the credit, and let the person nearest you receive real kindness. A steady light serves people better than a bright performance that soon goes dark.
Keep the passage in context
Jesus tells His disciples to let their good works point others to the Father. The purpose is God's glory, not attention for the person doing the work.
Read further: Matthew 5 in the King James Bible.