“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” – John 3:17-21
Everyone some time in their life has experienced total darkness. I feel I can also experience those dark times when there is light all around me. The light of the room surrounds me however, my thoughts, my feelings, and my emotions can be so dark. Even though I have been and will be in those places of darkness…I have seen that spiritual light of Christ, that can pull me out of those dark places!
While in those places of darkness often what helps me move towards the light is a small thought of hope, a loving gesture of a friend, taking time to read scripture, recenter, and even finding ways to help others. In today’s scripture reading, verse 21 says, “But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”
Oh God, may it be that we have eyes to see those who may be in those dark places of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions and be led by your spirit to be light in those situations. Knowing that you will lead others when we find ourselves in those places of darkness as well. Amen.
Pete Rodrigues is a member of Duke Memorial UMC