Transparency: 1 John 1:7 “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 sin.”
Isn’t it interesting that God instructs us to be transparent with one another for two reasons: 1. So we can have fellowship with one another. 2. So we can be purified by the blood of Jesus. Have you ever been in relationship with someone who never admits they are wrong? Doesn’t it just erk you and grieve your heart. No one likes a know it all, no one likes to be around someone who pretends to have it all together all the time either. I suppose it’s irritating because deep down we know that he/she has the same temptations we do, but they aren’t willing to admit it. (1 Cor 10:13)
The word says it’s actually difficult to be in fellowship with one another apart from walking in the light. The second part of this verse hit me kind of hard today . It states if we walk in the light, the blood of Jesus, His son purifies us from all sin. Think about the alternative, if we claim we have no sin, the blood of Jesus does not purify us from all sin and infact, we “make Him out to be a liar and His word is NOT IN US.” Ouch! I wonder how many people will be surprised to learn that His word is not in them on that great and glorious day! Perhaps these will be some of those who will be gnashing their teeth.
We see many movements attempting to bring unity in the body. They reach across the state, nation, and the world. God has been calling His people to work together. Transparency and a wiliness to humbly walk in the light with one another will be a key to the success of these movements. It is in the midst of sharing of our weaknesses, struggles, and candid conversations that true fellowship occurs. This fellowship develops the genuine relationships necessary to weather the storms that will come against any movement set on unifying to advance the Kingdom of God. We must be radically humble, purposefully patient, and passionately obedient. We must decrease that He may increase!
Prayer: Dearest Father, fill us afresh with your holy spirit and with a grace and willingness to walk in the light as you are in the light, a willingness to look foolish for your name sake. Grace us to see and know that though we may lay our lives down for a moment, there will come a day when we are able to take it back up again! Grace us like Adam and Eve prior to the fall to be willing to stand before you and others symbolically “naked and unashamed.” Fill our hearts with your pure love. You said to the pure in heart everything is pure….let it be so in us. In Jesus Life giving name, Amen and amen!
