Healing Presence
READ
Last week, we were given a picture of what life in the kingdom of God looks like. This week, we're given a picture of how those who walk with Jesus are described in this world.
Let's take a moment to read Matthew 5:13-16:
"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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
REFLECT
For a long time, when I read this passage, I assumed these verses were only referring to programmed evangelism. Now listen — I am not knocking the importance of sharing your faith! But during my teens and early twenties, I heard this passage used many times as a way to encourage young people to share their faith in coffee shops, on beaches, on mission trips, and even through door-to-door evangelism outreach programs.
But this description of God's people living their faith boldly — being salt and light in our world — isn't merely about verbally sharing our faith. This passage is so much more than that. It's about how the people of God live this side of glory. It's about how our very presence, our very existence, can help bring healing and restoration to the broken parts of this world.
I love the imagery found in these verses because both salt and light have healing properties when used appropriately. Salt can help cleanse and even heal wounds. Doctors use bright lights in surgical rooms and dental offices so they can accurately assess their patients and provide the necessary treatment. And light in the midst of darkness provides comfort, presence, and the ability to see when you might otherwise lose your way.
The imagery we're given here is a direct contrast between how the people of God live and how those who don't know God live. The presence of God's people would stand out — not because they had the best strategies for sharing the good news of Jesus, but because their lives brought healing and restoration everywhere they went.
That was true when Jesus first spoke these words, and it's just as true today:
When the world says to blend in… the people of God choose to be set apart, living differently for the sake of the kingdom.
When the world chases comfort and avoids messy situations… the people of God are unafraid to step into hard places. We don't look away from the world's brokenness. We march in, unafraid, carrying the life-changing good news of Jesus.
When the world says you don't owe anyone anything — just look out for yourself… the people of God radically care for those at the margins: the orphan, the widow, the outsider.
When the world uses status and money as the standard for success… the people of God believe and live as though the first will be last and the last will be first. We treat every person with dignity — regardless of socioeconomic status, race, religion, or beliefs — because every person is made in the very image of God.
Wherever the people of God go, we should be known by our good deeds. When we are salt and light in a dark world, we are contributing to His work of bringing heaven to earth — here and now. We are participating in the Lord's work of bringing hope, healing, and restoration into every space we walk into, whether that's our homes, our workplaces, or even the grocery store on a Tuesday afternoon.
And what happens when we live this way?
The passage tells us that people will notice the difference. They will know us by our good deeds, and because of this, they will glorify our Father in heaven! When we live the "blessed life" we explored last week (Matthew 5:1-12) and walk as salt and light in a dark world (Matthew 5:13-16), that is when people who don't yet know God will be introduced to His goodness.
So as you read about salt and light this week, remember: every space you walk into is an opportunity to carry Christ's healing power and redemption with you. There is no corner of this world too dark for His light, and there is no wound this side of glory too far gone for His salt. And we, as the people of God, get the privilege of being His hands and feet — His salt and light — everywhere we go.
RESPOND
Take a moment to process what God might be leading you to do in light of what you've read.
When you think about being salt and light in your community — at work, at home, in your neighborhood — what excites you? What makes you nervous or hesitant?
Reflect on the contrast between what the world tells us and how the people of God are called to live. Is there an area of your life where you've been living more like the world? What's one practical way you can be salt and light in that area this week?
REST
Take a moment to rest in God's presence. Consider one thing you want to carry with you from your time in the Word, then close your devotional by praying:
God, you are good and your mercy endures forever. Thank you for being a God who loves this world so much that you sent your Son and your Spirit. Thank you for showing us that your way of life leads to goodness, mercy, and redemption. This week, would you help me remember that I am salt and light in every room I walk into? Open my eyes to see the needs of others so that I can love them well. Give me the strength and courage to bring your healing, your hope, and your goodness down whatever streets and into whatever spaces you call me to. And as a result, God, would you soften the hearts of the people I encounter, so that they can see you clearly through my good deeds and glorify you because of it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Port City writer Brittany Salmon wrote today’s devotional.