Daily Worship

Walking in the light. The test of discipleship.

John Povey June 27, 2022 0 0
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1 John 1: 7-10 (NRSVA)

7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

During lockdown in 2020 the government encouraged everyone to take essential exercise by going for a walk each day for a specified time. The benefits of walking have for a long time been well documented. It is good for the circulation. It is good for the heart. It is good for the bones. It is good for the brain. Walking in the countryside is good for the senses. And walking in groups is good for building up relationships.

Long ago our ancestors, just like us, recognised the benefits of walking. Indeed they took and used the concept in relation to our spiritual health. Walking in the light, walking with God, is equally an essential exercise. Among the benefits are these: fellowship with one another; and purity of heart through the blood of Jesus.

Jesus pointed us towards the two great commandments: to love God with all our heart and soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. These are the two dimensions of our relationships: a vertical relationship with God, bringing purity, and a horizontal relationship with each other, bringing unity.

To walk in the light of God is to have health in both relationships, upwards and outwards. When we walk in the light of the Lord, the grace that heals our relationship with God also brings healing to our other relationships. Having been forgiven, we learn to practise forgiveness — even with those we consider to be among the most unlikely of friends. Grace restores us, renews us, and enables us to reach out in fellowship.

 

PRAYER:

 

Loving Lord God, thank you for forgiving us and cleansing us. As we seek to walk in the light of your love day by day, heal and strengthen our relationship with you and with everyone around us. Grant to us purity in our living, and the joy of healthy human relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.