Filled with gratitude, joy, and love

John 1:16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. Consider today the fullness of Christ. We learn in verse 14 that Jesus is full of grace and truth. We can be encouraged that there is no end to His grace for us. From Jesus’ indwelling life, we have received of His fullness. That means that there’s nothing we will face today that will prevent us from finding our greatest satisfaction and joy in Him. If we need love in its various expressions—joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control- it is available to us in Christ. Expressing the fruit of the Holy Spirit is what living to love looks like. As we love in this manner, we receive grace upon grace. We might also consider the “we” to perhaps include everyone. There are common graces that everyone experiences from Jesus Christ daily, one after another, yet they might not recognize them. Maybe that’s what Paul was thinking of when he described to the Romans those who are experiencing God’s wrath. They know God and see His goodness and glory in creation but don’t acknowledge God or give Him thanks. They, too, experience common grace upon grace out of Jesus’ fullness. Let us be grateful, not only for the many common graces we receive each day, but also for the specific, wonderful grace upon grace to trust our heavenly Father with whatever He gives us today in life and to love those He puts in our paths. The love of God flowing through our lives pours out of the fullness of the life of Jesus Christ dwelling in us. May we be filled with gratitude, joy, and love in the fullness of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may be encouraged to turn their hearts to God and live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.