Lutherans are used to confession. We do it every Sunday around here. We start our services off acknowledging, in some form, that we are “poor miserable sinners” and that “we have failed in our love towards God and as a result failed to love our neighbor,” and that “we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves.” And unfortunately, all of those statements are true.
But so are these: “Your sins are forgiven in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” “The LORD bless you and keep you.” Even “Lift up your hearts!” Those are all true statements because of what Jesus does for us. And those statements transform us, they fill us with light to shine to our neighbors. And when you are filled with light, you become a light.
Yes, your sins do dim your light. But they don’t snuff the light out. And every time your sins are forgiven, your light shines a little brighter having removed the shade of sin.
I love that as Lutherans, we are honest about our sins. But we could use a little help sometimes in being honest about our light it seems. You are not just a “poor miserable sinner.” You are a poor miserable sinner who is saved by the grace of God to be a part of His Kingdom of Light.
And what do lights do? Well, they shine. They can’t help but shine. That is what they are made to do. So find a way to shine this week. Make someone’s day a little brighter. Bring your light into dark places where it doesn’t normally shine. Be the light. You are one, thanks be to Christ.