December 10, 2022 - 1 John 2:8b-11

“For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. If anyone claims, “I am living in the light,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble. But anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness.” 1 John 2:8b-11 NLT

Lord, we praise you for being the true light that can never be extinguished. How wonderful that darkness can never push out the light, but the second that light is introduced into the darkness it starts to flee. We praise you that no matter how hard darkness tries to push you out or overcome you, it will never win. Lord, just like light and darkness are opposites and can’t co-exist together, love and hate also can’t co-exist. We ask that you continue to increase your love in us and let it drive out any darkness that wants a place in our life. We don’t want to allow any darkness in us. Remind us of those places we want to hide away and pretend don’t exist. Don’t allow us to be blinded by the darkness and deceived into thinking we can keep it hidden. We want to bring those places into the light. We give them over to you. Show us what we are to do to bring light to them and not allow Satan to use them anymore. Give us the strength and courage to do what you ask of us.

Teach us how to love others like you love them. Even those that we don’t understand or agree with, show us how to get past the differences and still love. Help us love those who we don’t think deserve our love. Teach us to love like you love even if hate is thrown back in our face. Those that have an issue with us, show us how to take the humble path and do all we can to bring love and restoration to the relationship.

In Jesus name, amen.