SALT AND LIGHT

Passage: Matthew 5:13-16

Key verse: 14a

NIV

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.(A)

14 “You are the light of the world.(B) A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.(C) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others,(D) that they may see your good deeds(E) and glorify(F) your Father in heaven.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth, (A)but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 (B)“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 (C)Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so (D)that[a] they may see your good works and (E)give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

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Footnotes
  1. Matthew 5:16 Or house. 16Let your light so shine before others that
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Saltiness (13)

Each life has its own flavor or saltiness, but we can also lose this saltiness when we believe that our life is flawed, beaten down, or lacking in relation to someone else. God wants to heal, save, and lift the souls he created and loves. God created each person not only in his image but also with distinct character, gifts, thoughts, and passions. The world grows richer when each person actively engages with the world and with each other like a beautiful tapestry.

2. Shine (14-16)

Jesus said, 'You are the light of the world.' A light is meant to shine. How many people are wasting their life through addiction, mind-numbing entertainment, and endlessly performing and pleasing? Jesus wants our lives and souls to be lights that can be seen and heard in the world. It can be scary, but we can do so knowing that God gave us our life and its light.

Prayer: Lord, may we shine the light you lovingly gave us. If we have lost our flavor, may you restore it by your grace and salvation.

One Word: You are the salt and light of the world