Thursday, February 15

1 John 1:3-10

In this passage, not only is the redemptive power of Christ proclaimed, but the necessity of fellowship, maybe even the commandment of fellowship, is emphasized. After “the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (v 7b); we are called to live not only in close relationship with Jesus but also with his body, the Church. God is actively redeeming us and is actively pursuing a relationship with us; if you think you can do this walk on your own, you are wrong.

For a long time in my life, I focused solely on my personal relationship with Jesus. Having a personal relationship is so good and is so necessary, but I was missing out on so much more that God had to offer. When I surrounded myself with a community of faithful friends and had real and vulnerable conversations about my sin, God’s redemptive power was made so much more evident. I once had a pastor tell me, “Sometimes when it’s hard for us to hold onto the hands of Jesus, we have to reach out and hold the hands of those who are holding onto Jesus.”

If we try and walk this path alone, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” (v 6). During this season of Lent, I encourage you to step out of the darkness; stop trying to do this on your own. Surround yourself with a community of uplifting believers and watch as God works in ways that you’ve never imagined.

Gabe Hurlbert