How do you find Complete Joy?
What is joy? No, not the merriam-webster dictionary definition -- what is joy for you? Where is it found -- friends, family, school (haha), activities, sports, music? It is found in all of these places, yes, but is it complete? Again, no. There is only one place where complete joy can be found and that is in the love of Jesus Christ... "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Agape love -- unconditional love -- while we were STILL sinners, Christ died for us. This verse is a lot like John 3:16, where like Pastor Kenny mentioned, it is widely known. But do not let it lose it's wonder! The disciples obviously noted the importance of each and every verse, "We write this to make our/your joy complete." Complete joy comes from the words and encouragement of God.
Recently I've found the more I do to become one with God, the more I'm in prayer or in the word, the better I have felt. Why is this? Because I was replenished in the deepest part of my being -- my SOUL. When the soul is being filled with the joy of Christ, the complete joy, there is something different, or at least there should be.
I think that verses 5 and 6 are two of the most encouraging and yet convicting verses. God is light and NOTHING in him is darkness -- how amazing! how wonderful! God is light. God is love. So, in essence, light is love. Are you walking in the light, or better yet are you walking in the LOVE of Jesus Christ daily? Are you exhibiting the unconditional, agape love everyday in your life? I know I fail at this DAILY. I snap at a fellow student, or blow someone off who I SELFISHLY and foolishly think of as not worth my time. I claim to be in Him while I am walking in the dark. The cliché "you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?" actually takes on a deeper meaning -- because really it's just an adaptation of 1 John 1. But what is said in 1 John 1 is that you cannot talk the talk WITHOUT walking the walk. One comes along with the other. What is being addressed? Hypocrisy. Do not walk through life proclaiming the light and love of Christ, and then forget to show it!!! The love of Christ so far surpasses anything on this earth, that when it's visible in someone's life, others should see and say, "WOW! What is it that he/she has that I don't? I WANT THAT!"
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
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