“doeth truth” (KJV) or “lives by the truth” (NIV) means their actions reflect that they are walking in the truth; they know the truth and have incorporated it in their lives (1 John 1:6).

1 John 1:6  If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

In the light of what we have just looked at (pun intended), why does 1 John 1:6 say that having fellowship with Jesus and still walking in darkness are incompatible?

This verse seems to equate living by the truth with doing things through God. Why is that? Can we live by the truth without doing it through God? God not only saves us from the punishment we deserve and from the power sin had over us before we accepted His offer of salvation; but He also makes it possible to live a holy life. By ourselves, we can do nothing, but through God, we can be overcomers. God’s grace is more than sufficient for us. To appropriate His grace we must become dwellers of the light. Welcome His work within you to reveal your areas of darkness and then deal with them by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As previously noted, in Old Testament times people thought that seeing God meant instant death, but now, through Christ’s redeeming work, it is a reward for those who come into the light and let it do its work in them (Matt 5:8).

Matt 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.