“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (I John 1:4).

The apostle John states four basic reasons for writing his first epistle: (1) “That your joy may be full” (text); (2) “That ye sin not” (2:1); (3) “Concerning them that seduce you” (2:26); (4) “That ye may know that ye have eternal life” (5:13). But his burden, as he wrote to those whom he called “My little children” (2:1)—those who have been newly born again—was that He especially wanted these new ones to experience joy. This joy is not only mentioned in I John, but also in his second and third epistles as well. Thus all believers should have: The joy of knowing the truth (I John 1:4): The truth is God’s word, stated as, “These things” (text). Knowing and believing God’s word brings fullness of joy. There are many truths written in I John that when understood and trusted, will fill us with joy—truths concerning the true nature of Christ and His complete forgiveness; truths concerning the world of sin and apostasy and how to avoid them; truths concerning the love of God and answered prayer; and truths concerning the security of the believer. In the midst of tremendous calamity Jeremiah expressed it best: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (15:16). The joy of sharing the truth: “But I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full” (II John 12). Joy is experienced by the one speaking the truth, and by the one hearing the truth! The joy of living the truth: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 4). This statement of John’s is both understood and appreciated by all those who have physical and/or spiritual children. To see your children continue in the faith when they become adults brings great satisfaction and fullness of joy! NPS