The promise of abundant life comes from John 10:10 (ESV). It reads:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
From personal experience, I can testify that living in Jesus’ fullness, or abundant life, can truly make a person feel whole. Overall, there’s a new perspective that is more aligned with God’s perspective, and it changes everything. Don't get me wrong, this fullness has nothing to do with your own efforts. All fullness comes from being in a true relationship with Jesus. After that, everything else falls into place.
In my last article, I explained what spiritual fullness looks like in comparison to spiritual emptiness and concluded with this thought:
It is in Him that we live: physically, emotionally, mentally, obviously spiritually and even socially. So what does this mean?
What is Jesus really saying when he promises us a full, abundant life? What does physical fullness in Jesus look like?
Desiring time with Him. This time can be through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, serving or simply reflecting on His goodness. You physically go to Him to be satisfied. Drink His water and be satisfied.
-John 4:14 “but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Rest. Yes, God is a fan of rest! We see this more than anywhere in scripture about the Sabbath day. God promises us rest in Jesus.
-Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.”
What does emotional fullness in Jesus look like?
Love. Always know that Christianity is a religion of love more than anything else. We feel loved and naturally extend that love to others.
-Psalm 63:3 “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."
-2 Corinthians 5:14 “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all."
Joy. It roots from our salvation and knowledge of God’s goodness. God shapes us to see the good in life, and we are thankful for it.
-John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
Hope. It’s that underlying feeling that everything will be alright. It looks to the future and trusts God despite the circumstances.
-Psalm 62: 5-6 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
What does mental fullness in Jesus look like?
Awareness and alertness. It’s acknowledging that there is a spiritual battle going on all around you and even within you—but don’t worry Jesus always has the power to win.
-1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Wisdom. It’s knowing right from wrong and having good judgement.
-1 Corinthians 2:16 “for, ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.”
What does spiritual fullness in Jesus look like?
Unworldliness. This means that we recognize within that this life is short, that none of it truly matters unless it’s for God’s kingdom. Sometimes we see culture collide with our faith, but we are victorious through it!
-1 John 5:4 “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
What does social fullness in Jesus look like?
Friendships, especially deep ones. It’s laughing together, crying together and allowing love to be the friendship’s one foundation.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
-Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Genuinely caring about people. God’s love works in us to be a light to all people.
-1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”
-Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you."
