That Your Joy May be Full...

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 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. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.—1 John 1:1-4

I. LOVE. THIS. Truly John’s heart for us, his reader, reflects the heart of God for toward us. 

One of the main goals of John’s letter is to produce joy in his beloved readers. How kind...how wonderful!  He writes here about the One who existed before the beginning of the world...Christ...the Eternal Word of Life.  John’s desire is to proclaim this life that was made manifest to them in the flesh so that we, his reader, could share their joy in the fellowship of believing...that eternal fellowship that they have with the Father and His Son, Jesus. The purpose of his letter can be found in 1 John 5:13.

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life,and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.——1 John 5:13

Beloved, our joy is found in our salvation... Jesus, the Word of God, shows us the path of life.  In His Presence is fullness of joy.  At His right hand are pleasures forevermore.  

Our joy is full in living our lives here on earth completely and utterly for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that is produced in our hearts and our lives as we believe and obey our God.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.—3 John 1:4

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.—1 Peter 1:8-9