DECEMBER 26 – Reading 360

by Albert Rosado | December 26

“STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS”
(1 John 1:1 – 5:21)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.“ – 1 John 1:7

Working in the lighting industry for almost 30 years, I’ve learned that light is needed in almost every aspect of our lives. From reading a book, taking a shower, cooking, attending a sporting event, etc…

The Apostle John tells us something very simple and powerful about God: “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). He is completely good, true, and holy. Because of this, our Christian life is about choosing to live in that light with Him.

What does it mean to “walk in the light”?

1. It Means Honesty with God: Walking in the light means being completely honest about our sins and failures. It means admitting our messes instead of hiding them in the dark. John says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8). The light shows us our dirt, but that’s a good thing!

    

2. It Means Love for Others: Light is also about community. When we walk in the light, John says “we have fellowship with one another.” When there are no secrets or hidden agendas between us, we can truly love and trust each other. Hate and selfishness are acts of darkness (1 John 2:9).

    

3. It Means Constant Cleaning: The best part of walking in the light is the result: “the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” As we walk and God’s light shows us our failures, Jesus’s sacrifice immediately cleans us. We don’t have to wait or earn it. We are forgiven as we walk.

We don’t live perfectly, but we can live honestly. When you fall, don’t run into the shadows. Run to the light, where God is waiting to clean you and restore your connections with others.

Simple Truth:
If we live honestly with God (in the light), He cleans us from all sin, and we can truly connect and love other believers.

Reflections:

• What is one action, thought, or attitude you have been trying to keep hidden in the “dark” lately?

   

• How does knowing that Jesus is always ready to purify you make it easier to confess your mistakes right away?

Application:

• Confess to the Light: Be specific and honest with Jesus about the hidden sin or failure you’ve been carrying. Ask for His cleaning power right now.

   

• Seek Fellowship: Take a step toward the light with another believer. Confess a struggle to a trusted, mature Christian friend and ask them to pray for you.

   

• Live Purely: Do one act today that clearly shows you are living in God’s light (like being honest when it costs you something, or quickly forgiving someone who hurt you).

Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being pure light, with no darkness in You. I confess that I often try to hide in the shadows when I sin. Forgive me. Help me to walk honestly in Your light today, trusting that Your blood purifies me from all sin, no matter how great the failure. Keep me close to You and close to my brothers and sisters in faith. Amen.