Walking in the Light:

Finding Honesty and Identity for Spiritual Health

 by Kari Barron

This morning, I was reading my devotional, Jesus Calling, and came across a passage from 1 John 1.
I memorized this scripture decades ago during a Bible study with other young adults, but today it resonated differently.

I want to share how this passage relates to honesty and identity—two foundations for spiritual health that I also discussed in my previous post.

The Word of Life Made Real

1 John 1:1–4 (NASB):

“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.”

Jesus existed in the beginning with the Father and the Holy Spirit—the three persons of the one God.
He created the universe (John 1:1) and later became human flesh—100% God and 100% human.

John emphasizes Jesus’ physical reality through the words heard, seen, and touched.
Jesus wasn’t symbolic—He was real.

This truth connects fellowship with Jesus to fellowship with the Father, underscoring His divinity and the beautiful truth that His sacrifice removed the barrier of sin, allowing us direct relationship with the Father.

That realization should fill us with joy, especially on days when we feel drained or weary. He sees you, cares for you, and made a way for you to spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Walking in the Light

1 John 1:5–10 (NASB):

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but 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.
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”

Because God is perfect Light, He cannot tolerate sin. Sin—anything that “misses the mark”—is part of our human condition.

The Ten Commandments remind us of this reality:
If you’ve ever lied, that makes you a liar.

If you’ve ever taken what wasn’t yours, you’re a thief.
If you’ve ever used the Lord’s name in vain, you’re a blasphemer.

I’ve done all of these things, so I don’t point fingers without recognizing my own need for grace.
The beauty of the gospel is that God provided a plan to cover the payment for sin.

The Perfect Sacrifice

When the sinless Savior died on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for every sin ever committed.
He was the spotless lamb whose blood was required to cleanse us.

As John wrote, “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
He is faithful to forgive and faithful to cleanse.

This truth is both humbling and freeing—because nothing we’ve done disqualifies us from His mercy.

Letting Go of Regret and Shame

Sometimes, we hold onto past sins and refuse to forgive ourselves. I’ve said things to my son that he’s likely forgotten, but I deeply regret them.

Dwelling on those moments harms both spirit and body.

If I want to be whole in every aspect—spiritual, emotional, and physical—I have to surrender those regrets to God. He’s already paid the price, and I’ve accepted His forgiveness.

Now, when I’m tempted to dwell on the past, I remind myself that God sees me as perfect and complete through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Your Identity as a Child of God

By accepting Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are adopted into God’s family. That means you are the daughter of the King of the Universe.

He loves you deeply—and that identity changes everything. As John says, we have fellowship with one another as members of His family. Embrace this truth. Spend time with people who encourage your walk with Christ and reflect your identity as His beloved child.

Honesty Leads to Healing

John also reminds us that denying our sin is self-deception:

“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

Honesty brings healing. Owning up to our sin isn’t easy, but acknowledging it allows us to experience the Savior’s love more fully. I fail daily—but I don’t live in failure. I live in the assurance of a Savior who loves me enough to die for me.

Embracing Forgiveness and True Identity

Don’t cling to your past errors. If you struggle with your identity as a child of God, dig into the promises of Scripture. Be honest with yourself and with God. If you’re uncertain whether you’ve accepted Jesus as Lord of your life—don’t wait.

Confess your sins, ask Jesus to cleanse you, and follow Him.
It’s that simple.

You are accepting the gift of eternal life—and when you step into honesty and know who you are in Christ, it solidifies your identity as a child of the King.

Spiritual Health and Wholeness

Without a healthy spirit, how healthy can your body truly be? Spiritual health is the foundation of every other kind of wellness. When your spirit is aligned with truth, your body and mind can finally begin to follow.
Walking in the Light means allowing God to illuminate every part of your life—so you can live freely, joyfully, and authentically as His beloved child.

🙏 I’m praying for you—and remember, God’s got you.

Stay Encouraged on Your Faith and Wellness Journey

If this message spoke to your heart, I’d love to walk alongside you as you grow stronger in faith and wellness.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice.