Paul once again points out that before we follow Christ our lives are lived in darkness, which leads to death and destruction. Instead, thanks to God’s great love for us, we can choose to live as children of light, living life in freedom.
This light exposes what is broken in us—not to condemn, but to allow us to follow Christ into goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”