I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
(John 10:10 ESV)
What is abundant life? Is it an abundance of money, fame and stuff? If so, why have so many wealthy and famous people ended their own lives, and why does Jesus tell us that “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15)? What then is the abundant life that Jesus, “the life” (John 14:16), came to give us?
Someone has noted that “True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of “stuff.”’ Who wouldn’t want more of these fruits in their life? But like any other fruit, the fruits of the Spirit take time to cultivate. We don’t just wake up one day having love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. But as we grow in our relationship with God, so do the fruits of His Holy Spirit in our life. And that doesn’t mean that we will only develop these fruits when life is well. As we continue to walk with Him, God will produce even more love, joy and peace in us when life is tough. After all, “happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus.”
Don’t wait until you get to heaven to experience the abundant life. Jesus came so that we may have life now and have it abundantly. Live the life!
Rising with the Son 