APR 3

1 John 1:6-7
Memorise 1 John 1:6
“... if we walk in the light, as he is in the light…”

In yesterday’s reading, we learnt that true faith shows itself in works. However, living a reformed life involves more than performing one or two good works in our lives. This is illustrated in 1 John 1:6. There are people who claim “that we have fellowship with him (God)”. Having fellowship with God means that we have first obtained salvation – that is what allows us to then enjoy fellowship and communion with God. However, if we claim that we have salvation but “walk in darkness”, then we are lying about having fellowship with God. We may be saved, but God is not pleased with us and we do not have fellowship with Him.

The word “walk” indicates a continuous journey over a period of time. Thus, when applied here, it is focused not just on one or two acts, or even a number of acts of good or evil. Instead, it is referring to the way that we live our lives as a whole, and the manner in which we have spent our days.

Thus, we are not leading a reformed life if the way we live is characterised mainly by “darkness”, which indicates sin. On the other hand, if we “walk in the light, as he (God) is in the light”, it means our lives are patterned after God guided by the light of His Word. Our lives are characterised by holiness and purity. We yearn for spiritual fellowship with God through prayer and reading His Word, and we do all things in service to Him for His glory. As long as we do this, we enjoy fellowship with God.

In light of this, we need to examine how we have lived our lives ever since we became believers. If we were to take stock of everything we’ve done since then, could we honestly say our lives have been characterised by light?

If, after taking stock, we find that our lives up to this point have been filled with nothing but sin and continued rebellion against God, then 1 John 1:6 warns us that “we lie, and do not the truth”. “Do not the truth” means that we have failed to obey God’s Word. If this is the case, then we must repent now and ask God for forgiveness for not living a reformed life.

Thought: Do I have fellowship with God, or have my sins hindered me from enjoying that blessing?
Prayer: Lord, help me to confess any sins I may have, so that I can enjoy fellowship with Thee.