Walking in the Light: Embracing God's Love and Fellowship
Have you ever felt like you were running away from God? Maybe you’ve wondered if you could ever be good enough to come back to Him. If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, feeling unworthy and distant from God. But here’s the good news: God’s love is relentless, and He’s always ready to welcome you back with open arms.
In a recent sermon, I shared a personal story about my teenage years when I was running away from God. Despite my rebellion, the people of God at Central United Brethren Church never gave up on me. They prayed for me by name, and their persistent prayers led me back to God. This experience taught me a profound lesson about God’s love and the power of fellowship.
The main point of the sermon was clear: God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with God and with one another. This message, drawn from the first chapter of 1 John, emphasizes the importance of living in the light of God’s truth and love.
The Power of Fellowship
John’s letter to the early church addresses the dangers of false teachings and the importance of true fellowship with God. He begins by affirming the incarnation of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is fully God and fully human. This truth is foundational to our faith and our fellowship with God.
John writes, “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, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Walking in the light means living in the truth of God’s word and embracing His love and forgiveness. It means rejecting the darkness of sin and false teachings and choosing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
Action Steps to Embrace the Light
Confess Your Sins: John reminds us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Take time to reflect on your life and confess any sins that may be hindering your relationship with God. Trust in His promise to forgive and purify you.
Seek Fellowship: Surround yourself with fellow believers who will support and encourage you in your walk with God. Join a small group, attend church regularly, and build relationships with others who are committed to living in the light.
Test the Spirits: John warns us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 John 4:1). Be discerning about the teachings you hear and the influences you allow into your life. Measure everything against the truth of God’s word.
Proclaim the Truth: Just as John proclaimed the truth about Jesus, we are called to share the good news with others. Be bold in your faith and share the message of God’s love and forgiveness with those around you.
Conclusion
The point is clear: Jesus wants your whole heart. What will you do this week to give it to Him? Don’t wait too long to surrender your life to God. He loves you more than you can imagine and is ready to welcome you into His light.
If you’re struggling with sin or feeling distant from God, remember that He is faithful and just to forgive you. Confess your sins, seek fellowship with other believers, and walk in the light of His truth. God’s love is relentless, and He’s always ready to welcome you back with open arms.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your relentless love and the gift of fellowship with You. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth and to embrace Your forgiveness. Give us the courage to confess our sins and to seek fellowship with other believers. May we be bold in proclaiming Your love to the world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.