Shining as Light – An Ephesians 5 Story
Emily was a young woman in her mid-twenties. She had just moved to the city and started her first job as a nurse at a local hospital. Emily was a Christian and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was determined to shine as a light in the darkness of the world.
One day, Emily was caring for a patient who was very rude and ungrateful. No matter how hard Emily tried to be kind and patient, the patient continued to be difficult. Emily was starting to feel frustrated and angry. However, she remembered the words of Ephesians 5:2, "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." Emily took a deep breath and prayed for strength to love this difficult patient.
As Emily continued to care for the patient, she noticed that another nurse, Sarah, was also caring for a patient in the same room. Sarah was constantly complaining about the patient and making negative comments. Emily knew that this was not the right way to treat patients, and she decided to talk to Sarah. Emily shared with her the words of Ephesians 5:4, "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." Emily encouraged Sarah to change her attitude and to be thankful for the opportunity to care for patients.
As the weeks went by, Emily’s positive attitude and love for her patients began to shine through. She would often pray with her patients and share the love of Christ with them. One day, a patient asked Emily why she was so kind and patient with everyone. Emily smiled and shared with her the words of Ephesians 5:8, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." Emily explained that she was a follower of Jesus and that He had changed her heart and given her the strength to love others.
The patient was amazed by Emily’s faith and asked to know more about Jesus. Emily shared the gospel with her, and the patient gave her life to Christ. This experience encouraged Emily to continue to shine as a light in the darkness of the world, and she began to pray for more opportunities to share the love of Christ with others.
In conclusion, Emily’s story is a beautiful example of what it means to shine as a light in the darkness of the world. She used the words of Ephesians 5 to guide her actions and to encourage others to do the same. Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Emily understood the importance of walking wisely and redeeming the time that God has given us. May we all strive to be like Emily and shine as lights in the darkness of the world.