I Got Crammed With Joy

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” – 1 John 1:3-4

I absolutely love this passage of scripture.  I’d like to tell you about three powerful points that I see here:
1.  Fullness of Joy
2.  Fellowship with God
3. Sharing the good news

Fullness of joy was once something that seemed impossible to me.  In fact, there were times that any joy seemed impossible, but I can now honestly say that my soul is full of joy. 

The Greek word here is pleroo, meaning crammed or overflowing.  There’s just not much room for oppression.  When life challenges come, joy is still abundant as we deal with them.

How does this fullness of joy happen?  According to the scripture, it’s by being in fellowship with our Father.  But what does that really mean?

Well, if you have fellowship with me (Rick), you don’t have it because you read about me, and you certainly don’t know me by looking at pictures (or symbols) of me.  You know me because our lives have intersected enough for us to share our thoughts and feelings with each other.  If goodness has been given, there comes a genuine liking or even loving each other.  This is fellowship.

The sense of nearness and friendship with God came to me when I realized that He loved me without any demands.  I quit relating to God in a transactional way and began falling in love with Him.

“We love him, because he first loved us.”- 1 John 4:19

Thirdly, we see that what we have to offer others is this loving fellowship with the Creator who cares and gives us what we have really yearned for.  What a great message and experience we share with people!  The message is wonderful.  The burden is truly light, and the fellowship is wonderful!

Have a great day, guys.  We believe in you!