September 26, 2023

CHOOSE TO LIVE IN LIGHT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.

1 John 2:9-11 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Jesus told us that the world will know that we are His followers because we love one another (John 13:35). John tries to remind us of this truth by telling us if we are a follower of Jesus we are to live in the light. Jesus is the Light of the World. But if we hate a fellow believer, we are not living in light we are living in darkness. I remember as a kid growing up in church, I thought everyone at church loved each other. I was shocked and disappointed when I grew up into adulthood and discovered that some people could sit in the same building, sing the same songs, hear the same sermons, and yet not like someone else in the room. The ability of people to carry grudges and bitterness towards other believers still amazes me. Years ago I made up my mind not to carry bitterness, hurt, or jealously with anyone. I call it my Walmart principle—I don’t want anyone in my life that if I see them at Walmart, I go down a different isle. There are people I’ve disagreed with over the years. Some people I even question their commitment to God and His Word. By their life choices it appears to me they have strayed from truth. But I’ve decided I’m not their judge. I don’t have to correct everyone. The Holy Spirit is the one who is responsible to convict us of sin. I wish I could say there is no one in my life that has a problem with me. That would be naive and foolish. But I can say I have no one in my life that I would avoid if I saw them in Walmart or any other store. If they have a problem with me, it is their problem not mine. I believe the Holy Spirit wants to bring unity into the body of Christ. How can we transform our world from darkness to light if we are allowing darkness into the body of Christ?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit please show me anyone in my life that I need to forgive and release into Your hands. Show me how-to live-in love with all believers.

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