1 John 1:7 English Standard Version
7 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.
We are called to walk in the light, as He is in the light. The word walk is the Greek word peripateō and it means walk; live. To walk (behavior) — to live or behave in a specified manner.[1] We are called to live in the truth of who Jesus Christ is. John in his letter by the leading of The Holy Spirit gives this contrast between light and darkness. Those who live for the world and the lies of the enemy live in darkness. Often the kingdom and rule of the devil is known as the kingdom of darkness. But those who serve and live for Jesus Christ, live for the kingdom of God.
It is important to see that John uses the word walk. It is a continuous action of living in the kingdom of light. Our decision to follow Jesus Christ is a decision to surrender our lives to Him. It means the very desires and wants within us become surrendered to His rule and reign. He cannot simply be Savior; He must become the Lord of our lives. As we abide in Him daily, it is God who transforms us from the inside out by the work and power of The Holy Spirit.
We are told that as we walk in the light as He is in the light that we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. The great benefit of coming into a relationship with Jesus is not only fellowship with Almighty God, it is fellowship with other believers. Through Christ Jesus we are adopted into God’s family. It is the blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin. This doesn’t mean simply our sin before knowing Christ, it means all sin. We are no longer slaves of sin, we become slaves of righteousness. As we seek and follow the Lord it is He who transforms us to display His glory and character in all we do. John writes these words so that we will not only come to know Jesus but that we will live in right relationship with Almighty God.
Prayer
Father thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for your grace. Help me each day to walk in the light. Examine my heart and remove anything in my life that would hinder your work or grieve your heart. Father open my eyes to anything that I am blinded by. Help me to love as you have called me to love. Help me to be the son or daughter you have called me to be. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus. Jesus thank you for dying in my place and taking the punishment I deserve. May I abide in you each day. Holy Spirit may you will my life and may I walk daily in the truth. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection Question: Are you walking in the light? Are there any areas of darkness or compromise in your life? Are you truly honoring Jesus in every decision?
[1] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).