At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
1 John 2:8
John has just called the commandment old. Now he calls it new. He is not contradicting himself. He is showing us the beauty of the gospel. Love is ancient because it has always reflected God’s heart. Yet love became wonderfully new when Jesus entered our world. Never before had humanity seen love displayed with such clarity. In Christ, love took on flesh. It touched lepers, welcomed children, forgave sinners, washed dirty feet, and stretched out its hands upon a Roman cross.
The command itself did not change. Our understanding of it did. Now, through the Holy Spirit, that same love is being formed within every believer. What was perfectly true in Christ is becoming increasingly true in us.
John also reminds us that “the darkness is passing away.” Notice that he does not say darkness has already disappeared. We still live in a broken world marked by suffering, temptation, and sorrow. Yet its reign has been broken. Christ’s resurrection has already secured the final victory.
Every act of forgiveness pushes back darkness. Every act of compassion reflects the light. Every quiet step of obedience announces that another kingdom has already begun.
The light has come. And every day we follow Christ, His light shines a little more brightly through our lives.
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father’s love so perfectly. Continue shining Your light into every corner of our hearts. Let Your love become visible in our words, our relationships, and our daily choices. Use our lives to reflect the Light that has already overcome the darkness.
Shining for Him,
eep
