Weekly devotion: What does it mean to be the light of the world?

SKILD Centre, Lebanon

An awareness-raising session on the importance of accepting diversity, run by the SKILD Centre

Our partners at the SKILD Centre in Mansourieh, Lebanon, support children with learning differences by providing therapy sessions and other subsidised services for children from low- and middle-income families. Children access these services at the Centre, or through partner schools where SKILD staff are present. The team also supports university students with special needs, to ensure their continued success in higher education.

In addition, and to ensure an inclusive society, the programme is also working to improve community awareness about learning differences. It does this via conferences and campaigns that aim to reduce stigma surrounding special educational needs.

Equipping parents and educators in Lebanon to care for their children with learning differences is the cornerstone of the SKILD Centre’s work. Through providing equitable access to specialised services to vulnerable and marginalised children and families, they seek to demonstrate God’s unconditional love for His children. This support also helps to reduce the risk of children falling victim to child labour, early marriage or sexual exploitation.

Bible reading

‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’

Matthew 5: 14-16

Thought

As Christ-followers, we are light-bearers in a dark world. These verses exhort us to let our ‘light shine before others’ so that glory will be given to God. Living out our faith in community with other believers – i.e. loving God and loving our neighbour – will create a ripple effect in society, making a real difference to the sadness and brokenness around us. Our partners at the SKILD Centre are a beautiful example of this.

Ask yourself: Reflect on what it means to be the light of the world in your own context. What action does this inspire you to take?

Prayer

Gracious God,

We thank you that you are a God of light. We thank you that you willingly sent your Son into a dark world in order to redeem us to yourself.

We lift before you the SKILD Centre. Thank you for the incredible work they are doing in Lebanon – we pray for the children and families they support and ask for your blessing on their advocacy efforts.

Lead us and guide us as we prayerfully seek to let our light shine before others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Learn more about the SKILD Centre on our podcast:

Hiba Al-Jamal, Director of the SKILD Centre, speaks to Tim Livesey about her mission to ensure that every child meets their potential and is valued in society.

Inspired by what you read here? Share it on social (don’t forget to tag Embrace!):