Some sin in broad daylight. Some fear their sins coming to light. There are those who are disqualified in light of their sin. Some live their lives in the shadows of their sin, fearing exposure. John tells us this is not a way to live, that there are ways to deal with our sin, and they all involve full exposure and disclosure. You can’t live the Christian life in the shadows. It’s either walking in light and in fellowship with him, or you live in darkness, since “in him there is no darkness at all.”
Why do we naturally want to justify our actions? We think we have good reasons for what we do. You have to convince yourself that “you don’t have to live with that man or that woman!” God won’t. In reality, you’re not practicing the truth in this state, for the rules for marriage, for example, are clear.
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Matthew 19:6)
Marriage is just one example. Our natural tendency is to sin and then hide, just like Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:8), and to justify our actions. But…
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; (1 John 1:6)
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:10)
If we are at the point where our lives are marked by lies and deception, and conniving in the darkness, we are “dead men (and women) walking.”
Practicing the truth leaves no time to connive and cheat. It’s outwardly expressed, unselfish, and marked by constant unbroken fellowship with one another, but most importantly, our Lord.
But if we walk in the Light as He Himself 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)
And if we misstep.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
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