Overcoming The Cycle Of Darkness

– Ponderings:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.).

In a world too often lost in the shadows of hatred, violence, and division, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words resonate deeply, as do these from the Gospel of John: “The light (Jesus) has come into the world, and the darkness cannot overcome it.” Just as words like “hate” and “darkness” have their own kind of power, so do the words “light” and “love.”

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the darkness we encounter daily. It can be tempting to respond to words of hate with anger and words of division with derision. But the path of retaliation only perpetuates the cycle of darkness. Hate is a power that brings darkness into our world; love is a power that brings light.

What is our source of light when we can’t find it within ourselves? Jesus. He’s not just the spark of life that began creation—he’s the sustaining light that continues to shine in every generation, every situation, every shadowed corner of this world. John doesn’t say the light shone, as if it were past tense. He says it shines. Right now. Constantly. No matter the surrounding darkness.

If Christ’s light is still shining, then our calling as followers of Jesus is to reflect that light. Not to match the world’s bitterness with bitterness. Not to argue louder. Not to retreat in despair. But to shine—to live lives so rooted in Jesus that his light overflows from our words, actions, and relationships with others.

But what does that look like in a dark, divided world?
Sometimes it looks like listening more than speaking.
Sometimes it looks like forgiving when it’s hard.
Sometimes it looks like giving to others, even when we’re tired.
It often looks like grace in a graceless space.

Being light doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being present. It means showing up with hope when others expect cynicism. It means holding to the truth without letting go of love. Light doesn’t argue with the darkness. It just shows up … and transforms everything around it.

What if the way we live in our divided world could actually draw others, even if only one other, toward Jesus, instead of pushing them away? We don’t have to manufacture the light. We “simply” reflect the One who is already shining.

Prayer: Jesus, Light of the World, shine through me. When the world feels too broken to heal, too dark to brighten, remind me that you are still shining. Teach me to reflect your light with grace, truth, and love. Amen.