5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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, purifies us from all[b] sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Being a Christian means we are free. We are free from God’s judgment, free to enjoy God, but we are also free from trying to hide our failures. I don’t think many people are honest in our society today – so many hide behind a mask. Jesus liberates us to be honest – we need to show this to our friends.
Question 1
Some people think they can deceive others and even God – saying they are better than they really are. What do you think John would say to them?
Question 2
In Wales today, people think that Christians are hypocrites. What should true Christians be characterised by?
Question 3
Why do we not need to hide who we are during times when we fail others and God?
How does this bring comfort when you think about the wrong things you’ve done? How does it give confidence when you think about the year ahead?
Pray:
Thank you Father, that I’m free! I’m so sorry for the wrong in my life, I’m embarrassed and I don’t want anyone to know about these things, but thank you that they don’t define me.
Thank you for forgiving me and for sending Jesus to take the punishment I deserve. Help me to show others how much I love Jesus for what he’s done for me.
