Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

1 John 2:7-11 (NRSV)

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because the darkness has brought on blindness.

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Reflect

How often have we said, “I was in the dark”? Most often this means we didn’t know about something; therefore, we claim ignorance. Unfortunately, even the laws of the land say ignorance is not a valid excuse. Recent discussions regarding different lifestyles have brought about a lot of ignorance and darkness.

Darkness, which I equate to sin in this scripture, occurs when there is hatred toward another. The evening news is full of darkness, of hatred, of sin. As Christians, Jesus says we are to love one another. We are not to use hatred as a weapon.

This is not something new. As scripture states, it is a concept that has been around for a long time. However, Christ brought new light and life to this concept. Those who follow him are taught to love others in a new way. His acceptance of those in society who were different showed a new level of compassion.

It is time for each of us to come out of the darkness and follow the true light, to show how Christ loves all brothers and sisters in this world. We are to model Christ’s behavior in all we do and say. Let us live in the light!

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Pray

Living God, Creator of light and darkness, help me to walk in your light. Help me to model your light of love and acceptance in this world of darkness. I ask for the wisdom and courage to show others what an awesome God you are! In Christ’s name, Amen.

Go with God.