This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection]. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness [of sin], we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we [really] walk in the Light [that is, live each and every day in conformity with the precepts of God], as He Himself is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another [He with us, and we with Him], and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin [by erasing the stain of sin, keeping us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]. If we say that we have not sinned [refusing to admit acts of sin], we make Him [out to be] a liar [by contradicting Him] and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:5-10 AMP)
REFLECTION
When we become aware of sin, it does us no good to excuse it, cover it or ignore it. It surfaced so that we can bring it into God’s light, confess it and repent (turn from it and turn to the only One who can help us overcome it). “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”(John 3:17 NET) The Voice translates it this way…”to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction.”
Every single human being needs rescuing from sinful tendencies (be it greed, gluttony or more insidious sins like self-righteousness or pride). Praise God that we can enter into a sanctifying and transforming journey with Jesus Christ, our Saviour. So let’s keep our hearts tender and tethered to Jesus, the only One who can save us from an eternity of torment. Let’s stay prayerful and prioritise pondering God’s Word each day, trusting Him to do what only He can do, in and through us, as we draw near to Him – as we truly are – in faith.
PRAYER POEM: Pursue
Lord ~ deeper intimacy with You is what I want to desire, for Your ways are infinitely higher.
Empower me to passionately pursue You and, by Your grace, be salt and light in every dark place.
Help me live a life of virtue, glorifying You in everything I say and do.
