Written by Corina Diaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
A couple of weeks ago I was deeply sad and found myself in darkness and grief. During one of those long nights, I glanced at a couple of letters that my younger brother had written me and that I often reread when I feel discouraged. I came across the following verse: 1 John 2:10. “Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
Although I had read this letter and this verse many times, some questions arose: What does it really mean to walk in the light? Do I allow the light to be focused on me?
Light is a form of energy that usually emanates from and through a focal point. It is penetrating and fills the space it is in. When there is light, I can see the space around me. I can observe the obstacles of the road and in turn I let others see me on the road too.
So, I thought of this question: What comes first, those who love or those who remain in the light? Do you try to love first or go towards the light? Perhaps we have tried to love first before drawing near to the light. Perhaps I have to go to the light first to show myself to others and let myself be loved in order to love others. When I love others, I must be willing to show myself as I am. But how can I love others if I must be loved first to love well? Faced with my dilemma, I turned over just a few pages in my Bible to 1 John 4:19 where I found the answer: God loved us first!
Love gives us clarity to our own life and leads us to show the light to those who remain on the road. It draws us closer in order to encourage one another, and our burdens become lighter. The light also reveals when we stumble. When someone comes by my side and their lamp illuminates my path I become vulnerable. I have to let others see me as I am. The risk of walking in the light is that I show my imperfections, my failed attempts, my tears and my difficulties.
Love is letting my fellow sojourners bring their lamps closer to me and see how the path treats me so that they can help me to move further along.
I can see the light of Christ in those around me who take on the task of sharpening me, supporting me and encouraging me even when I'm not ready to continue. Praise God for all the thorns on the road and for the lights that come to us through His infinite love.