In our passage for today, John 15:9–17, Jesus says an amazing thing. He says, "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." Jesus wants you to be full of joy! But how, in the midst of all that life throws at us, can we be full of joy in a way that lasts even through the valleys? Keep reading for Jesus’ answer.

Joy Comes from Staying Connected to Jesus

Jesus' desire for us to have joy is awe-inspiring. He wants us to experience a deep, abiding joy that transcends circumstances. This joy isn't fleeting or dependent on external factors; it's rooted in our relationship with Him. By abiding in God's love, we tap into a wellspring of joy that overflows.

Jesus makes a monumental statement: "You are my friends if you do what I command you." This friendship isn't transactional, where we earn His favor through works. It's relational, akin to the bond between spouses. Just as being a spouse isn't about earning status but living out the essence of the relationship, being Jesus' friend is about embodying His teachings and sharing in His love.

One Thing: Love

The Old Testament teaches us to love God above all and love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus turns this commandment up to 11. "Love one another as I have loved you." This love mirrors the Father's love, which is unconditional and all-encompassing. It's not limited to those who love us back but extends even to enemies, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:43–48. This love is transformative, challenging us to love beyond our comfort zones and prejudices, reflecting the perfection of our heavenly Father.

Love Is a Kind of Death

The Lord's Prayer and Jesus' teachings in Matthew 16:24–26 emphasize the concept of dying to self. Taking up our cross isn't merely shouldering burdens but embracing a death to self-interest and worldly desires. It's a radical call to prioritize God's kingdom and will above all else, even if it means sacrificing our own ambitions and comforts.

Jesus exemplifies the ultimate love by laying down His life for us. In response, He calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God. Paul gives us a great operational definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5, ESV) Every aspect of love involves a death to selfish inclinations, leading to a life of genuine love and fulfillment. This, says Jesus, is the path to joy.
Ironically, the path to joy for you is to focus on others.

Jesus Has That Love for Us

While we may stumble and fall in our efforts, Jesus' grace covers our shortcomings. Love requires patience, kindness, humility, and a refusal to seek self-glory or hold grudges. It's a continual journey of dying to our own desires and embracing God's transformative love. As we learn and grow in living out that love, Jesus is patient and kind with us.

In embracing Jesus’ instruction to love as He has loved us, we discover a joy that transcends circumstances. It's a joy rooted in the unshakeable love of God, expressed through sacrificial living and genuine love for others. As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember that true joy is found in abiding in God's love and extending that love to those around us.