Listen to Devotion

The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light.

Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement.

Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others.

That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”

The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining.

John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God’s love for us will overcome the darkness of evil.

In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us.

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again.

Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to others. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.