SCRIPTURE READING
John 8:12 (ESV); Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever
follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
James 5:16 (NIV); Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so
that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Darkness is a common fear; yet for many of us it seems to be the safest place. In darkness
we can hide our secrets and our sins. There is a strange mix of safety and oppression
when sin is left to the darkness. The enemy uses the darkness as a cloak of comfort and
we think, “If nobody knows my reputation will stay intact” or the very common, “If nobody
knows then nobody will be hurt.” However, the darkness is oppressing, offering neither
relief from memories or victory over sin.
Among many names and analogies, Jesus is the Light – “the light of men” John said.
Another benefit of the cross, Jesus’ death and resurrection offers us the light that exposes
all darkness. But many people stop here and slink back into the darkness. There is fear in
exposition; there is fear in laying oneself bare. They forget, though, that “perfect love casts
out all fear” and the One who is the Light is also Perfect Love. He never exposes without
offering a cover of atonement.
One way that the Lord reveals His light is by asking us to confess our sins to one another.
In bringing our sins to light face-to-face with a trustworthy friend, we can receive tangible
compassion and accountability. Though the thought can be frightening, the reward is great.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Ask the Lord if you are slinking around in the darkness at all. What is keeping you from
the Light? Confess any feelings of fear you have.
2) Ask the Lord to reveal anything you have kept secret that He wants you to bring to
light before another individual. Or maybe God just wants you to begin an accountability
friendship. Who can you talk to and when will you talk to them? Ask the Lord for courage.
3) Have you been faithful with things others have confessed to you? Do you ever ask them
how they are doing? Ask God if you have neglected the responsibility He has given
you to care for them.
