1 John 1:5-9
This is the message we heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light. In him, there is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him but still walk in darkness, we are lying and do not put the truth into practice. But if we walk in the light, just as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Light is fascinating because it always overcomes the darkness, and as the sinless Son of God and Son of David, you are light. You came into the world, exposing our sin and darkness. When we have faith in you, we walk in the light knowing you died on the cross, forgiving all our sins. Therefore, because the brightness overcomes the dark, I cannot intentionally lurk in the darkness and then say that I am in the light; neither can I cherry-pick those things you have said are sinful then say I am faithful. As John wrote, if we do, we are lying. However, there are times when my evil desires like to run rough shot over my faith. And before I can stop it my mind or mouth from engaging, something is thought or said that comes out of the shadows. Please forgive me and give me the strength to admit my sins to others.
Lord, you are light and love. May I also, through faith today, reflect your love to others as I walk with you so that I, too, can love all those who walk with you. Polish me through your word; so that light of your forgiveness can reflect on others, especially those who do not know of your forgiveness. Light exposes the darkness of sins, and forgiveness overcomes the dark every time. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
With the light of Christ, there are no gray areas. We either reject his forgiveness, or the Spirit delivers us through faith in Jesus.