God’s love: You are the salt of the earth - 5 February 2026
Lauren Appolis
'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 'You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden … In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16, NIV
There is nothing worse than a dish lacking salt. I have learned over the years that it doesn’t matter how many herbs or fancy ingredients you add – if you lack basic salt, the dish will be horribly bland. Not only that, but none of the beautiful flavours of the other ingredients are fully brought out.
Salt serves two main purposes: flavour and preservation. Without going into all the intricacies, it enhances food by blocking bitterness and heightening sweetness. What an incredible mineral with such transformative power!
God’s Word is filled with love letters to us – reminders of how deeply we are valued by him. Being called “the salt of the earth” by Jesus reminds us of how highly he regards us. He is saying that, as his followers, we influence the world – to counter bitterness and awaken a taste for the sweetness of Jesus.
Think about it: when something tastes good, we want more of it. When a dish is rich and full of flavour, we savour it. In the same way, Jesus says that as we walk through a world that can feel bland or bitter, we are meant to heighten others’ desire for him. What an honour! What a responsibility.
Beloved, reflecting on God’s deep love reminds us that this love anchors our identity and empowers us to advance his Kingdom. Jesus doesn’t say we might be the salt of the earth. He says we are. Present tense.
You are influential. You are different. You are needed.
Jesus warns that salt can lose its saltiness when contaminated by impurities. Likewise, we live in a world filled with influences that can dull our witness if we are not grounded in Christ.
So let us remain rooted in Jesus, allowing his love to renew our minds so that we do not conform to the world. Instead, may we live in such a “salty” way that those around us develop a greater taste for the things of God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, what an honour it is to be loved and revered so beautifully by you. Help me to stay close to you so that I do not lose sight of who I am in you. Help me to live in a way that reflects your love and points others to you. Amen.