“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,
so that you also may have fellowship with us.
And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
We write this to make our joy complete.”
{1 John 1:3-4, NIV}
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To Make Our Joy Complete . . .
There are many reasons for writing.
We write to inspire and uplift the soul.
We write to encourage a friend in need.
We write to provide new information.
We write to keep a record of events.
We write because we believe words matter. Words of comfort and peace, of forgiveness and healing.
Words matter. And our words are weighted with greater impact when they’re matched with hands and feet that serve, when we live out the things we write, when our actions coincide with our words.
In his letter, John had several reasons for writing too.
He wrote to proclaim all that he had seen and heard.
He wrote to share the grace and truth that only comes through Christ.
He wrote to invite others to join him and the fellowship of believers.
John wrote for all these reasons . . . and one more.
He wrote “to make our joy complete.”
Our joy is made complete when we share with others what Christ has done in our lives.
So let us love with our words, both written and spoken, and let us love with our actions, too, which always speak loudest of all.
Have you shared your story
lately of how Christ has set you free?
Denise,
My story is too long to share here, but I am so thankful for my salvation and the relationship I have with Jesus Christ! He continues to break chains that bind me and every day is an opportunity to grow closer to Him in love. My Lord has been faithful through so many trials in my life…His promise to never leave me nor forsake me has stood the test of time and trials. He lifts me out of the slimy pit and gently places me on a Rock that is solid and sure. He increases my joy and so I will gladly write about His goodness. Great words this morning…
Blessings,
Bev
Your words were such a confirmation this morning. I have thought about, even began writing my memoir several times, then I think why? Why would I spend so many hours putting this together. Would anyone even read it – other than my family? What is the purpose here? Not for my gratification, not for hopes of a best seller. And then I read the words, “to make our joy complete.” There it was all spelled out. There is my reason and my purpose. Thank you, Denise, thank you. We never know what impact our words will have.
God bless you.
Bobbie
Thank you Bobby for your post. I missed “to make our joy complete.” I saw the words, but didn’t quite grasp the meaning until I read your post. I too struggle with why to write. It is a passion and I’ve wanted to be a writer since the age of 12 but, like you, I figured nobody would read it. Thank you for your post. It has given me something to think about and some motivation.
Everyone has a story to tell. Stories of how God never forsook them and got them through each and every trial they faced. It is important to document these times of healing/restoration. That way when more trials come and they will you will have a remembrance of His faithfulness. God told the Israelites to take 1 stone for each tribe (12) and pile them up near the Jordan river as a reminder to them and their children that God brought them through on dry ground.
Writing is important to make your joy complete and to remind you and future generations of God’s loving kindness and faithfulness!
Have a blessed Father’s day everyone!
I have really enjoyed reading through all of the posts today.
Thank-you to all…..
Lovely!
Thank you all for these lovely comments. I have been struggling through a difficult time regarding my writing and you have all helped me tremendously. God chose to work through you to help me and others. Thank you for answering His call.