November 22, 2020
Reflecting God’s Goodness
To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the Scripture referenced throughout.
When it comes to flavor, salt brings out the best in what we eat. Without it, food is less enjoyable (and sometimes not even palatable). What’s more, going without salt for long enough can have detrimental effects on our health. But it’s no good on its own—we don’t eat salt by itself.
Just as in Matthew 5, the Gospels of Mark and Luke record Jesus’ words about salt being worthless without its saltiness (Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34). For salt to lose its flavor is incredibly difficult—that kind of alteration requires a chemical reaction involving other substances. The same is true of our witness: We can fail to have a positive impact if we’ve allowed ourselves to be corrupted.
When Jesus asks His followers to be like salt, He is reminding us that we are valuable and necessary in bringing out the best—in one another as well as the world—through ordinary acts of service, mercy, love, and humility.
Think About It
- Salt is an ordinary item that makes a significant difference. What are some “ordinary” ways we can reflect God’s goodness?
- How can faith enhance or improve your relationships?
Bible in One Year: Romans 1-3