For the past two summers we have vacationed on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Both years we went with our friends, each family renting a condo in the same complex. Both years as we planned the trip the most essential question was not how much it cost or what the weather would be like or what place was available. The biggest question was whether or not we could all go at the same time.
That was the most important issue because we realized that, although we enjoyed the beach and the sun and the surf, what we enjoyed most was being with our friends. Being together completed the joy of our trip.
John, perhaps one of the earliest followers of Jesus, is writing about what he has seen and heard about the Gospel. According to verse 3, why does John share this information? What is the motivation listed in verse 4?
Our vacation would have been very pleasant if we had gone on our own. But it was so much more enjoyable because we could share our time with others. It is the same with the good news of Jesus Christ.
We can be satisfied that we are saved by Christ, that we have heard Jesus’ message ourselves. But if we are going to live a life of joy, part of the fruit of the Spirit, we will find joy in sharing our message.
John is writing to inform others of what he has learned, either from Jesus himself or from others who knew Jesus. His reason for sharing is to offer these others an opportunity for eternal life, but he is also inviting them into the fellowship of all who believe in Christ. Bringing others into this fellowship is a source of joy for John.
We can also experience that joy of fellowship when we invite others to know Jesus as we know him. When we are of the same spirit and attitude with others in our faith we can experience the joy of the fruit of the Spirit.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you find joy in sharing the Gospel message?
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