1 John 1:5-10 5This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.6If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true;7but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
“Stop Avoiding; Start Facing”
Second in a Series, “Stop It”
Walking in the darkness: avoiding…
· our problems by denial
· our pain by distraction
· our part by diversion
Walking in the light: facing…
· puts us in right relationship with God
· gives us freedom to be our true selves
· is the starting point for God’s healing and transformation
Key verse for the week
If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
–1 John 1:9
Questions for conversation and reflection
What problem, pain, or responsibility have you been avoiding? What would others see and love if they saw your true self?
Possible next best steps for you
· Make an appointment at the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center (713) 402-5046, another therapist, or with one of our pastors to talk about that which you have been avoiding.
Visit the Tree of Angels in the Sanctuary Hallway to sign up to buy a child a gift and/or to wrap the gifts on Saturday, December 8.