I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. My commandment is this—to love one another just as I have loved you.
Into the Text
When Jesus spoke these words, He was about to face betrayal, denial, and unimaginable suffering. His heart was full of sorrow, yet He was still able to speak of joy. How? Because His joy didn’t depend on the absence of pain or conflict but rested in a deeper assurance. Jesus knew God’s love would prevail, even in the darkest hour. His joy wasn’t shaken by the failures or sins of others. It was tethered to His unbreakable relationship with the Father.
Abiding in Christ can bring us that same assurance. The more we abide in Him, the less the world’s troubles sway us, and the more His peace and joy fill our hearts. Abiding doesn’t remove us from life’s challenges, but it gives us a firm foundation to stand on.
Why was Jesus willing to go through the pain, suffering, and darkness of the cross? It was because He was looking to the joy that was awaiting Him in the future, when we, the redeemed, would be with Him in heaven. It is this same joy we will experience when we lay down our lives for others so that they, too, have the chance to hear about Jesus and be with Him one day.
Sweet friend, if joy seems distant, that might be a gentle nudge to draw closer to Him. The joy of abiding in Christ is a gift that strengthens us and overflows to others. And when we live in that love and joy, we bring glory to Him in everything we do.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for your deep, unshakable joy. Help me to abide in you each day so that your love and joy overflow in my life. Teach me to love others as you have loved me. Amen.