“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5–7, ESV)

This week I was confronted with the fact that I do not fellowship with all people regardless of their behavior and worldview. I was confronted by two different people in two different circumstances. I felt convicted to change my behavior in one circumstance. I felt that I needed to be more accepting, tolerant, understanding, and patient.

In the other situation, I did not feel that I needed to change my behavior or revisit the choice I had made. The choice I had made was to remove myself from a sinful relationship. It was a little confusing for me that I came to one conclusion in one scenario and the completely opposite conclusion in the other situation. I started to think about the dilemma in light of Scripture.

In 1 John 1:5-7, I found some answers. If we walk in the light, collectively, we all enjoy fellowship. If we walk in darkness, we do not have fellowship with the light. Paul sheds more light on this matter, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV)

I realized that it was my job to shine light into the world (Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine). As I shine the light to all equally, some will be drawn to it. They will even come from the darkest pits of sin to bask in the warmth of God’s love. I need to provide that opportunity to all without prejudice.

Although some will be saved and drawn to the goodness of God, some will not. “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God” (John 3:20–21, ESV). Those that hate the light, will also hate those that shine with it.

As I studied this information, I realized that, at times, I withhold the light from those that I feel are unworthy of it. This is wrong. God’s love for mankind is exhibited by living in the light. As I shine, God gets glory and people get saved. I must “let this little light shine”.

I also realized that I cannot force people to live in the light. As I continue in fellowship with the Light of the World, I will lose fellowship with those that choose to stay in darkness. It is inevitable. I cannot walk in darkness with them in order to keep a relationship going. My prayer needs to be that they come out of darkness and walk with me in the light.

Jesus summed it up perfectly. ““You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16, ESV).