To make my joy complete

by: carole l. haines

 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— ² and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1: 1-4)

Complete, so that Our Joy may be made complete.  There is something about sharing the goodness, kindness and love of Christ that completes us, as believers.  It’s just not enough to experience it ourselves, at least it shouldn’t be enough.  I believe the Holy Spirit has placed within every believer the desire to share God’s amazing good news with others.  So, what hinders us?

I believe that we are hindered only by how much we have experienced this good news down to the core of our very beings.  Saturated, so to speak in the love of God ourselves.  How deeply have you let His Grace really soak in, top layer, middle ground or all the way to your core?  Sometimes the hardest person to stop holding grudges against, is ourselves.  We just can’t believe we were so blind, so foolish, so obstinate, so…..whatever.  You fill in the blank on that one.  But I have found that the more I apply God’s forgiveness and grace towards my own sins, mistakes, and foolish decisions; the more grace I have pouring out of myself towards others. Joy is hindered in un-forgiveness.  The good news of Jesus must be applied, both to ourselves and others.  He says to forgive as He has forgiven us.  So, what is hindering you today?  John says above that he shares the precious good news about Jesus, and how he changed his life, because it makes his own joy complete.  Jesus’ love and good news of salvation is meant to be shared, not hoarded.  Let it soak in to every cell of your being.  You, Dear believer are forgiven, set free, released to joy. O it is so true, believe it, all of it.  Breathe it in, all of it! Now let’s share that truth with those around us, as God creates opportunities; and we will find our joy completed too.

Lord Jesus, create opportunities for each of us this day, and every day, to share you, in some way, with others. Amen!