“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” JOHN 10:10
Some people have twisted these words to mean: “Jesus came so that you can have everything your heart desires—health, wealth, and happiness.” But that is a complete misunderstanding of this verse. All believers experience trouble and loss. Jesus said that if we follow Him, we must be ready to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily.
So, what does an abundant Christian life look like? Here are seven things Jesus possesses and is ready to give you:
1. More peace. Jesus came to give us peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you” (John 14:27). And He can give us more peace than any of us has yet received.
2. More love. No one can measure the breadth, length, depth, or height of the love of Christ (Eph. 3:18-19). Jesus has more love to give than any of us has yet experienced.
3. More joy. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Jesus can give us more joy than anyone has yet felt.
4. More faith. Jesus is “the founder and perfecter” of our faith (Heb. 12:2). He brings it into being, and He brings it to maturity. Jesus can give more faith than any of us has yet exercised.
5. More repentance. “The grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:11-12). Jesus can give deeper repentance than anyone has known.
6. More strength. When Paul was struggling under a heavy burden, God said to him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Jesus can give more strength than any of us has yet enjoyed.
7. More hope. “‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’” (Lam. 3:24). Jesus can give us the hope that we need.
How does this compare to your expectations?
