The Windows to the Soul ∙

The Windows to the Soul ∙

Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. – Luke 11:35

Matthew 6:22-23

 22 Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light.

 23 But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!

The Eyes: Windows to the Soul

The adage “The eyes are the windows to the soul” expresses a timeless and profound truth. Through our eyes, the unspoken depths of our emotions often quietly emerge, revealing what words frequently cannot. Our eyes act as a delicate reflection of our inner world, offering a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings that reside within us.

What Eyes Reveal About Emotions

Eyes serve as powerful indicators of a person’s emotional state. When someone feels sad or anxious, their brow tends to furrow, which can make their eyes appear smaller and more closed off. In contrast, happiness is often characterized by raised eyebrows that make the eyes look larger and brighter. This is why cheerful people are often described as “bright-eyed.”

True happiness is clearly shown through what is called a Duchenne smile. This heartfelt sign of joy goes beyond just turning up the mouth and lips; it involves the entire face, including the delightful crinkling around the eyes, often called “crow’s feet.” These charming lines show authentic happiness, unlike a forced, polite smile. It’s as if the whole face participates in a joyful dance, revealing a real warmth that shines from within.

Truth in the Eyes

As stated on exploringyourmind.com, “Our eyes don’t lie: they’re windows to the soul. They show the truth, no matter what face we put on, in any situation.” This statement emphasizes that eyes serve as a direct link to our inner selves. Even when we try to hide our feelings, our eyes often give us away, showing what we truly feel.

Nonverbal communication, including eye movements and body language, carries most of the information we share with others. A simple glance or the way we hold our gaze can speak volumes about our mood, intentions, or mental state. Therefore, watching someone’s eyes can give a deeper insight into their emotional state than words alone.

REFLECT & PRAY

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer wistfully observes, “The soul can speak through the eyes, and kiss with a look.”

Father, may my eyes reflect Your joy, peace, contentment, gentleness, and confidence. Let others see Your presence in me when they look into my eyes.

INSIGHT

The Eye as the Lamp of the Body

Matthew 6:22-23 provides a vivid metaphor, likening the eye to a lamp that lights up the body. Jesus teaches that the condition of the eye, whether it is healthy or unhealthy, determines if the body is filled with light or darkness. This reality emphasizes the importance of spiritual clarity and focus, as the eye serves as a window through which light enters and influences the entire being.

Matthew 6:22-23: “Your eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

The Eye as a Spiritual Window

The metaphor of the eye as a lamp highlights a profound understanding among Jesus’ audience. Just as a clean, clear window allows light to flood a room, a healthy eye enables spiritual light to illuminate the soul. A “good” eye represents a life dedicated to God’s truth, while a “bad” eye signifies a life obscured by sin, distractions, or worldly pursuits.

Barclay simplifies this concept by stating, “The state of a window decides what light gets into a room. If the window is clear, the light will flood in and illuminate every corner. If the window is dirty or distorted, the light will be hindered, and the room will remain dark.” In the same way, the spiritual condition of the eye determines whether a person is filled with light or overwhelmed by darkness.

The Danger of Spiritual Darkness

Jesus warns about the danger of spiritual blindness, where people believe they are walking in light but are actually in darkness. This serves as a solemn reminder that self-deception can lead to serious spiritual consequences. Wiersbe notes, “Some people have so hardened themselves against the Lord that they cannot tell the difference! They think they are following the light when, in reality, they are following the darkness.”

Jesus urged the people to walk in the light while it was still with them, warning that darkness would overtake those who did not. He called them to believe in the light and become children of light. Despite His many miracles, many refused to believe, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy found in Isaiah 6:10: “The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts – so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them.”

Jesus proclaimed that anyone who believes in Him also believes in the One who sent Him. He came as a light into the world, so that those who believe in Him would not remain in darkness. He did not come to judge the world but to save it. However, those who reject Him and His words will face judgment. Jesus emphasized that His teachings come directly from the Father, and they lead to eternal life.

The Source of True Light

The Lord Jesus Christ declares Himself to be the ultimate source of light, John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Christ’s light reveals spiritual realities and guides believers on the path of righteousness. Additionally, the Word of God serves as a lamp to illuminate life’s journey: Psalms 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

However, as Chouinard notes, external light alone is not enough. It must enter our lives to have any effect. “The brightest sun cannot enable a blind man to see.” Spiritual light begins to shine in our lives when we accept Christ as Savior, opening our eyes to the truth.

Walking in the Light

Children of the King are called to live as children of light, reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives.

Ephesians 5:8-10: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Walking in the light involves living with integrity, pursuing righteousness, and maintaining fellowship with God. It also requires vigilance, as Satan seeks to blind the minds of unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 4:4: “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Practical Application

1. Focus on God’s Truth – A good eye reflects a life focused on God’s Word and His will. By aligning our perspective with the Scriptures, we allow spiritual light to guide our choices and actions.
2. Guard Against Distractions – An “evil eye” symbolizes a life consumed by materialism, sin, or worldly pursuits. These distractions obscure our spiritual vision and lead to inner darkness.
3. Walk in the Light of Christ – Accepting Christ as Savior opens our eyes to spiritual truths and enables us to live as children of light. This requires daily fellowship with Him and a commitment to reflect His character in all we do.

Conclusion

The metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body in Matthew 6:22-23 challenges children of the King to examine their spiritual focus. A life illuminated by Christ and guided by His Word is filled with light, while a life distracted by sin and worldly pursuits is consumed by darkness. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, the Light of the World, we can walk in truth, reflect His character, and experience the fullness of life He offers.

Eyes are more than just physical features; they serve as gateways to the soul. They reveal our emotions, intentions, and even our spiritual condition. By observing others’ eyes, we can better understand their feelings and connect with them on a deeper level. Likewise, as children of the King, our eyes should reflect the peace, joy, and love that stem from a life rooted in Christ.

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© Dr. H 2025