When we come to Jesus and make a decision to follow Him, He has an expectation that we will change. As recipients of God’s grace and forgiveness that we receive as a free gift to us, we have a responsibility to give that same grace and forgiveness to others. When we do that, we become vessels through which God’s love is spread all over the world.
Each one of us is to use whatever gifts we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Anyone who speaks should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. Anyone who serves should do so with the strength God provides. (1 Peter 4:10) We are called to be salt and light in the world, so what we say and what we do will bring glory to God.
It is by letting our lights shine that darkness is overcome. Loving people the way Jesus loved them is the primary way that the world will know that we are one of His followers. There was a time when we also lived in darkness, but when His light shined in our hearts, we were illuminated so that now His light could emanate out from us. The potential is within us, but only we can let it shine.