Organizing the Inside – Day 309 Shining the Light In You

July 8, 2012 at 12:30 pm · Filed under Encouragement, Inspiration, Love, Relationship, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Christianity, Darkness, Forgiveness, Jesus, Light, Religion & Spirituality

17God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.18“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:17-21 (NLT)

Those who believe in Jesus are not judged. By accepting God’s give of eternal life we are free from judgment. Believers are forgiven and made free from the sins of the past. They have been separated from the evil deeds of the past. Psalm 103:12 (NIV) As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Those deeds are no longer remembered by God. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12 (NIV) Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” Hebrews 10:17 (NLT)

No one living in darkness is happy or fulfilled. Deep down inside they are searching for more. The emptiness they experience each day is hidden by fake smiles and pride in material possessions and personal accomplishments. Many unbelievers flaunt the worthless gains of this life to justify their lust for riches and rejection of God’s way. Many believe that their lifestyle and material gain hold far more value than belief in someone other than themselves. Some have established their own limits for right and wrong, and like the rich young ruler they view their riches more valuable than the kingdom of God. (Matthew 19:21, 22)

Those who do not believe in Jesus have already been judged. Their evil deeds condemn them. Don’t be surprised or hurt by the unbeliever’s hatred for you. Don’t be hurt when your words of truth are not openly received by them. Those who choose to live life based upon their own selfish evil desires do not like light. They prefer to be left in darkness because your light, even your very presence often exposes and convicts their hearts of sin. You may not say a word against their sin, but your light is so bright they’d rather keep a distance. Continue to love and pray for them. Keep letting your light shine, it shows them that living in darkness is not the way. (1 Peter 2:12, Matthew 5:16)  Don’t lose hope in God’s ability to save them no matter how much darkness they seem to love.

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