May 17, 2025 | 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:6

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DAILY READING

2 Corinthians 3:18-4:6

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REFLECTION

Shining

By Todd Marti

Today’s reading tells us that God’s goodness can shine through individual believers, being delivered by us into the world around us.  2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of us "reflect[ing] the glory of the Lord."  2 Corinthians 4:2 describes us “setting forth the truth plainly.”  2 Corinthians 4:6 speaks of God’s light shining from our hearts. Those images are consistent with other scriptures instructing us to deliver God’s light. Matthew 5:16; Luke 8:16; John 3:21. Their consistent message is unmistakable: God expects us to deliver His light into an otherwise dark world. As one blogger wrote (before digital watches),  “Christians should be like the radium on a watch. We should absorb God’s light and make it available to others so they can organize their lives by it in a dark world.”

So how do we do that? Today’s reading gives at least three insights.

One is to ask for God’s help. Remember that we have that light because of God’s mercy. 2 Corinthians 4:1.   He wants that light to get out, and to get out through us, so he will give us the opportunities and means to do so.  We should therefore ask for His help in doing so; the odds are good that He will answer that kind of prayer. See John 14:13;  John 15:7-8; 1 John 5:14-15.  

Another is that we primarily do that through the way we live.  That is a powerful way of “setting forth the truth plainly.”  2 Corinthians 4:2.  We don’t have to hit people over the head with the gospel if we live it out on a consistent basis. Its beauty will shine through on its own. Although there are times when God calls us to explicitly declare the gospel, most of the time we spread it by living it out. The instruction to “preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words" comes to mind.

A third is to not be discouraged when others ignore or reject God’s light. 2 Corinthians 4:1  and 3-4, and other scriptures acknowledge the reality that not all will embrace God’s gracious overtures. Further, the unavoidable truth is that we are not always great at reflecting God’s goodness, but we'll get better if we keep trying.  God nonetheless expects us to try, despite those facts.

PRAYER

Gracious Lord, help us to deliver your light into the world. Help us to live so that your love shines through our ordinary lives and to not be discouraged by either the darkness around us or our own missteps—help us to keep at it. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the light of this world.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODD MARTI

I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.

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