walk in the light Bible verse

What Does It Mean to Walk in the Light?

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.

1 John 1:7 ESV

I’ve worn glasses since I was 8 years old. My eye doctor told me I had cataracts, which is protein buildup on the lens of the eye, causing cloudy and blurry vision. The treatment is surgery to remove the dirty lens and implant a new lens.

Seeing vibrant colors and bright lights without glasses amazed me after my surgery. Unfortunately, I also noticed dirt in my house that I had never seen before.

While reading the verse of the day, my cataracts came to mind. Scripture states, “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” 1 John 1:7 (ESV).

What is the connection between cataracts and walking in the light?

Getting new lenses in my eyes is like seeing the light of Jesus for the first time. His light exposes the dirt (sin) in our lives, just like I spotted all the dirt in the corners of my kitchen. Then we repent the sins in our lives to receive the indwelling of the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, living in us.

Who is our guide while walking in the light?

The Greek word for walk in our key verse means to “live.” So, to walk is to live our lives. The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper as we live our lives walking in the light (John 16:13).

When faced with a decision, do you ask the Holy Spirit about it first? For me, I usually want to go my own way and then ask God to bless it later.

Many Christians (including me) sometimes forget they are temples of God and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Phylicia Masonheimer writes in her book, Every Woman a Theologian, “If we don’t know the power of the Holy Spirit, we won’t walk by His leading. And if we don’t walk by His leading, our lives won’t bear fruit.” 1

If you’re walking with someone, you have to trust them to guide you. Trusting someone requires knowing them. So, you must recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit living inside of you.

Walking in the light means surrendering your old ways, seeking God’s guidance, and letting His Spirit shape you into a new creation in Christ.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to trust Your Spirit and accept His help to bear fruit for Your Kingdom. And thank you for the gift of Your Son, who sacrificed everything so that we may become new creations in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Final thoughts

Think about your walk in the light with the Holy Spirit. Do you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit? Do you recognize His voice? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit and trust Him more?

Sparkly pink glasses in the 5th grade
Here I am, rockin’ pink sparkly glasses in the 5th grade. No more glasses now!

References

  1. MASONHEIMER, PHYLICIA. Every woman a theologian: Know what you believe. live it confidently. communicate it graciously. THOMAS NELSON PUB, 2023, p. 115.
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