Contagious Joy
1 John 1: 1 – 4; “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, of the Word of life; For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also many have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”
Jesus calls us to be His “Witnesses.” When some Christians hear this word, they worry that they need exceptional skill or charisma in order to share the good news with others. Yet to witness is not to merely speak of the “plan of salvation” to someone.” The word literally means to see, hear, or know by personal presence and perception; to testify; bear witness to; give or afford evidence of. When John wrote that he was sharing what he had experienced first – hand, he was saying,” I am full of joy because of the experience of knowing Jesus, and I want to invite you to share in that joy.”
When you’re in love with someone, you are excited about the relationship and time spent together. Likewise, when you’re in love with Jesus, you can’t keep to yourself the joy that comes from knowing Him – it just spills over, bearing witness and strengthening other believers. In fact, as you give testimony of who God is and how He’s working in your life, it makes no difference whether you speak quietly or with great exuberance; in their spirit, Christians will pick up on the deep, genuine gladness in your heart that goes beyond natural happiness. And people who don’t yet know the Lord will find themselves hungering for the relationship you have. In that way, they will be drawn to His Spirit in you.
Witnessing is not a matter of eloquence or talent. It’s an overflow of the personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is conforming you to His image. As you allow the Holy Spirit to increasingly express His life and power through you, contagious joy will be “fruit” of His indwelling presence.
The greatest need in the world is for souls to find rest in Jesus Christ, possessing faith in Him daily no matter what the circumstances. He will strengthen us in times of difficulty and will be with us when we walk through the trials that come.
His attitude and approach to life were mature in every sense. He looked with holy eyes upon a sinful world but was not discouraged or depressed by it. He said in John 10: 10; “I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” He has given us the key to living with joy and that is to know His salvation and obey Him every step of the way.