That which we have seen and heard we
declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our
fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things
we write to you that your joy may be full. 1
John 1:3-4
John the
apostle never ceased to marvel at the life-changing relationship he enjoyed
with his Lord. It overwhelmed him to know that, at a particular time in
history, the God of the universe chose to have fellowship with him, a simple
fisherman. John was so overjoyed that he earnestly wanted to share his joy with
others so they, too, might experience the same joy. A special fellowship or
“bonding” developed between those who had personally encountered Christ as they
rejoiced together at God’s goodness to them.
Those
around you desperately need to be encouraged by your latest encounter with
Christ. Some have lost hope that they can experience the reality of God’s
presence in their lives. They don’t need your philosophies or theological
speculations. They don’t need to hear your opinions on what they should do.
They need to hear from someone who has just come from a personal, life-changing
encounter with the living Christ. When you have had such an experience you will
be like the apostle John, hardly able to contain yourself as you rush out to
tell others of your amazing encounter with God. Your responsibility will not be
to convince others of the reality of God, but simply to bear witness to what
your Lord has said and done for you. The change in your life will be your
greatest testimony of your relationship to Christ. There is nothing more
appealing or convincing to a watching world than to hear the testimony of
someone who has just been with Jesus.
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