Skip to content

Jesus says to Nicodemus, “though the light has come into…

“Jesus says to Nicodemus, “though the light has come into the world, people have preferred darkness to the light” (John 3:19). In me I can feel this strange preference for the darkness. It seems as if I resist coming into the light and enjoy staying in my self-made darkness. Jesus offers the light…” quote by Henri J.M. Nouwen
Download Open image
““Jesus says to Nicodemus, “though the light has come into the world, people have preferred darkness to the light” (John 3:19). In me I can feel this strange preference for the darkness. It seems as if I resist coming into the light and enjoy staying in my self-made darkness. Jesus offers the light, the truth, the life coming from above. He makes it clear that God wants to pull me away from the darkness; he wants to offer me a solid love to dwell in, a firm ground to stand on, a faithful presence to trust in. But I have to look upward instead of inward, and embrace the gifts that are given. Yet””

Henri J.M. Nouwen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human beings often cling to familiar darkness rather than the illuminating truth offered by faith.

In simple terms: People prefer familiar darkness over divine light.

Key Takeaway

Seek upward, embrace divine love.

Themes

faith spirituality inner conflict redemption trust

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

spiritual inspirational

When to use this quote

  • prayer
  • confession
  • spiritual counseling
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

theology psychology personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What darkness do you cling to?
  • How can you turn toward light?
A Different Perspective

The light can be overwhelming, causing resistance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Explore all 115 Henri J.M. Nouwen quotes

More Darkness quotes

Browse all 8,219 Darkness quotes