It’s not a one-way street. Have you been traveling down a two-way street only going in one direction? Grandpas experience a lot of life. There are grumpy old men and joyful old men. John, the age of a grandpa at this point has had a life seasoned with the grace of God and is writing from a place of joy. And you know what? He writes this letter for your joy. Yes… your JOY!
“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” I John 1:4
Happiness will come and go but joy is steadfast and everlasting. Joy remains even when life hits hard and it doesn’t seem we have anything to be happy about. How do we have that joy? Keep that 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.” I John 1:3
FELLOWSHIP! Today, we want to take that word out and use some contemporary word to sound more relevant… but can I tell you something? That word, “FELLOWSHIP” is “KOINONIA” in the Greek. It’s a give and receive thing. And the Father wants to have it with you. Do you spend time telling Him about your needs and wants and then finish prayer time without listening? Is that really fellowship? Don’t miss out on the joy of life. Take time to fellowship with the Father!
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! I John 3:1
The God of all creation identifies Himself to the church as “FATHER”. Even, if you’ve experienced or seen bad examples of fathers don’t let that interfere with the great love of Father God. He wants to commune with you. He wants to talk with you. He wants to listen. He wants KOINONIA. He wants you to have the joy of life by knowing Him. It’s not a one-way street. Sit and talk, sit and listen!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.