1 John 1-2

"因为黑暗正在消逝，真光已经在照耀"

This is a part of 1 John chapter 2 verse 8 in simplified Chinese characters. It says "because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining."

Both before and after this verse is a discussion of light and darkness.

God is light and in him is no darkness.

But we are not like this. We do not produce light, but sometimes we act like it. We put on this mask that shows the world we are perfect, that we are never sad, we are never upset. This applies to both Christians and non-Christians. We want ourselves to look good, no matter what is happening on the inside. Whether it is to get a girlfriend or boyfriend, to get a good job, to get the things we crave and desire above all else, we will present the best in ourselves. We boast in our accomplishments. We share bout our joys and great lives. We only present the best side of ourselves.

Facebook. You only see happy pictures, and if someone does start sharing about real doubts or negative thoughts people judge them and say things like "you're just trying to get attention." Presenting this idea that there is no room for this real struggle.

I think especially Christians end up like this sometimes. Where now that you are Christian you have to be perfect. Jesus never said "Believe in me and you will be perfect right now and never make another bad choice or mistake".

We show our best in the light and hide anything sub-par in the shadows.

But in God there is no darkness. As we walk with him there is a continual choice being made to take the next step forward or turn to the side, back to darkness.

If we claim to have fellowship wit him, but walk in the darkness we lie and do not live by the truth.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
The man who says "I know him", but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

This is a heavy burden on our own. But by the Spirit we are given strength and power. Ultimately, love is made complete in us. Trusting in Him for every need.

As we walk with him, our darkness will be removed and we will reflect His light more and more.

"For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes, and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world with its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." v 2:16-17

Darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. True Light. 真光。

This means so much to me since my name is "Sunshine" in Chinese. Each time I hear "真光" I am reminded how I am not the sunshine and nothing I can do would make it that way, but as I walk with Him, who is light, the darkness is removed and I can better shine His light into the darkness.

John 8:12 "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.""

Will you follow in the light, or hide in the dark?