[T]he present darkness caused by evil [in the world] creates a great opportunity for the church (through the power of the Holy Spirit) to shine brightly for Christ, for we are told: “[L]et your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV); “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12:17 NIV); and “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21 NIV). The believer’s shining “light” (Matthew 5:16 KJV) should glorify God and not ourselves. Light is best seen in utter darkness. The greater the darkness, the more visible the light. Darkness disappears in the presence of light. The more that evil rises in the world, the more that believers, empowered daily by the Holy Spirit, should counter it with unselfish acts of God’s love for both believers and unbelievers. Only by crucifying the flesh and embracing the power of the Holy Spirit daily will believers be able to maintain the desire and ability to love others in this increasingly evil world. Unlike Jonah, the church should not retreat from sharing God’s love with a lost world. God’s love is the gospel (John 3:16 KJV). Faith expresses itself through love (Galatians 5:6 KJV [, NIV]). We do not have to agree with people’s beliefs, actions, or lifestyles to share the gospel (God’s love) with them. Jesus died for the lost. . .. Believers are commanded and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love God, ourselves, other believers, and even our enemies (see Matthew 22:37–39 KJV; John 13:35 KJV; Romans 12:9–21 KJV). In so doing, the church’s witness for Christ is made strongest and brightest in these last darkening days, a time when it is needed the most; and God is glorified.
