Let Your Light Speak

Proverbs 29:9 NKJV says: “If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.”

When I read this, another scripture dropped in my heart…

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 AMP

My friend, there are times when the wisest thing we can do is STOP — stop arguing, stop trying to explain yourself, stop trying to speak sense into someone else—just STOP!

We have all encountered people who are determined to have the last word. No matter how we explain something, they are unwilling to listen, consider another perspective, or admit that they may be wrong. If we are not careful, we can become so caught up in trying to justify or prove our point that we lose our peace in the process.

But Jesus calls us to something different.

We don't have to win every argument. We don't have to convince everyone. And we certainly don't need to come down to the same level of anger, pride or stubbornness that we may be facing.

Mark Twain said: “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference”

Sometimes our greatest testimony is not found in what we say, but in how we live.

When we respond with gentleness instead of anger, grace instead of bitterness, patience instead of frustration, and love instead of retaliation, we allow the light of Christ within us to shine.

That doesn't mean we ignore truth or remain silent when something needs to be addressed. There are times when we must speak, and there are times when wisdom calls us to correct, confront or stand firm. But there are also times when we need to recognise that continuing the conversation will accomplish nothing.

Wisdom knows the difference.

You cannot force someone to listen. You cannot make someone receive truth. You cannot change a heart that has decided it does not want to change. Only God can do this!

Keep walking faithfully with Jesus. Keep your heart right. Keep doing what is good. Keep loving people. Keep showing grace. Keep letting your life reflect the One you belong to—JESUS!

Your life may speak into someone's heart long after your words have been forgotten.

And perhaps one day, the very person who refused to listen to your words will notice the peace, kindness, humility and love they see in your life—and wonder where it comes from. The seed you planted, will be watered by someone else. God works in ways we can never fathom!

Let your light shine ... that through your life they may see Jesus, and ultimately glorify your Father in Heaven.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Give me wisdom to know when I should speak, and when I should simply be still. Let Your piece reign in my heart. Give me discernment to recognise the people I can encourage, influence and help, and give me the grace to release those I cannot change into Your hands.

Lord, guard my heart from becoming frustrated, angry or bitter when others refuse to listen. Help me to respond in a way that honours You. Remind me that my life is a testimony to give glory to God, and Him alone! May my words, the meditation of my heart, my actions, my attitudes and even the way I respond in difficult situations be pleasing to You, and reflect Your love and grace. Let Your light shine through me always, and therefore be drawn closer to You.

Thank You, Lord that You are our Source always. You see every heart. Help all of us to walk faithfully with You, and let our lives always speak of Your grace and goodness.

In Jesus' powerful Name, Amen!