Fruit of Light

Date: May 11, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B- Bible Verse: Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV) "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)."

L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that illuminates our lives and reveals your truth. Help me to understand the meaning of this verse and apply it to my life. Open my heart to receive your guidance and transform me to live as a child of light. In Jesus' name, amen.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians, addressing the early Christian community in Ephesus. In this passage, Paul highlights the transformation that occurs when we become followers of Christ. He emphasizes that believers were once in darkness, but through faith in Jesus, they have become children of light. Paul encourages them to live out this new identity, bearing the fruit of the light, which encompasses goodness, righteousness, and truth.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:

Darkness: Refers to the state of separation from God and the absence of His light.

Light in the Lord: Describes the new identity believers have in Christ, where they are filled with His presence and truth.

Live as children of light: Suggests the responsibility to reflect the characteristics of light, which are goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Fruit of the light: Refers to the visible outcomes and manifestations of a life lived in the light of Christ.

S - Summarize and Share: 

This verse is the perfect reminder that as believers, we are no longer bound by darkness but have been called to live as children of the light. It speaks to our transformation in Christ and the responsibility we have to shine His light in the world.

Darkness can show itself in various forms - negativity, deception, and sin that surround us. But as children of the light, we have been given a new identity and purpose. We are called to live differently, to let the light of Christ illuminate our hearts, minds, and actions.

Living as children of the light means embracing a life that reflects Christ's character - love, kindness, forgiveness, and truth. It means choosing righteousness over sin and standing against the moral decay of our culture. It means being a beacon of hope and pointing others to the source of true light.

This passage calls us to action. It urges us to evaluate our lives and ask ourselves if we are truly walking as children of the light. Are we allowing Christ's light to shine through us in our relationships, workplaces, and communities? Are we intentionally seeking opportunities to bring light into the darkness around us?

Be encouraged to let our light shine brightly in a world that desperately needs it. Let’s be intentional about sharing the hope and love of Christ with those around us. May our lives be a testimony of the transforming power of God's light within us, drawing others to Him.

Let’s embrace our identity as children of the light and commit to live accordingly. Let's allow God's light to saturate every aspect of our lives and radiate through our words and actions. Together, let's make a difference and illuminate the world with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

Bible Cross References

1 Thessalonians 5:5: "You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness." This verse reinforces the concept of believers being children of the light and emphasizes their separation from darkness.

John 8:12: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'" Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, offering illumination and guidance to all who follow Him.

Colossians 1:13: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves." This verse highlights the transformative power of God, who rescues believers from the darkness of sin and brings them into the kingdom of light through Christ.

Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." This passage emphasizes the significance of God's Word in guiding our lives and illuminating our paths. It serves as a reminder that as children of light, we should rely on God's Word to navigate our journey.