SHARED JOY

We are writing these things so that our joy will be complete. ??“ 1 John 1:4 (NLT)

            Whenever we read a work of non-fiction it is helpful to begin by searching for the author??™s purpose statement. Usually this is found in the preface or introduction to the book, and contains the author??™s reason for writing. Once we understand what the purpose is, it is easier to process the contents.

            John??™s purpose statement is found here in verse 4.  He wants nothing more than to see his joy duplicated in the lives of other people, and that joy is derived from a relationship with Jesus Christ. God led John to see that there was no greater experience than seeing your personal testimony accepted and emulated by those you have shared with.

            It a telling fact that our personal joy only finds fulfillment when it is shared with others who have not yet experienced it. With who have you shared your joy lately? Perhaps we could each adopt John??™s purpose statement as a personal goal for ourselves? We could write it like this: ???I live to see the joy Christ has given me manifested in the lives of others.??? Once we state that, and begin to live it out, both our joy and the joy of those we lead to Christ will be made complete.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, instill within me a desire and a commitment to lead others to the joy that comes through a relationship with Your Son. I want to share with others what You have shared with me.