Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
Luke 8
Read Luke 8 in your Bible. Or you can also read it here.
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” – Luke 8:16
This verse is a great reminder of how we should live each day of our lives. We live in a dark world that seems to get darker every day. Over the past couple of years, we have seen so much rioting, hate, and fear. As children of God and believers in Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of us. We do not have to succumb to the negativity in this world. Instead, we have the power to spread light.
Picture a single candle with its flame glowing. We can use the wick on that candle to light another candle. Then we can use those two candles to light two more candles. Now we have four candles, flames glowing. We can continue to multiply light to those around us in a similar way. We can be a positive influence on those around us. And hopefully, in turn, those people will also positively influence others.
I love the prayer by St. Francis of Assisi. It is a beautiful reminder of how we can spread light to those we encounter today and every day.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
—St. Francis of Assisi
If you are also participating in the Gratitude Challenge, today is day 79 of 100. I hope you have been enjoying the challenge!
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
I love the imagery of the candles multiplying! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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We often hear that negativity is contagious. But positivity is too. May we be a shining light to those around us. Thanks for reading, Summer! ♥️
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So true!! ❤️
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May our God-given joy–on display in kindness, compliments, encouragement, and support–light the world around us, just as you’ve said, Bridget. I pray for hearts, already softened by this blessed Christmas season, seek to know God’s joy in Jesus for themselves!
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Beautifully said! Thanks for stopping by, Nancy! 😊
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We do not have to succumb to the negativity around us but be intentional in being a positive influence. That is a wonderful perspective to hold onto because it is so easy to get consumed by all the negative things in the world.
Reminds me of the verse that says all that is pure, good and praiseworthy is what we should focus on.
Thank you Bridget. Have a wonderful day my friend🤗🌺
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I agree – it can be all too easy to be consumed by the negative. But the verse that you mentioned is definitely an excellent one for us to keep in mind as we learn to take every thought captive. I pray that our Christian influence outweighs the worldly influence around us. I hope your day is lovely too! ❤️💚
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Amen, that was a wonderful prayer. We are called to be a light in the darkness. Our love and kindness can spread and make a difference. 💕
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And I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit who helps us to shine that light! 🙌✝️🙏
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