The thief—Satan—offers a deceptive version of the full life. He leads people to chase fleeting pleasures, money, and status, believing these will bring fulfillment. Yet, as seen in the life of Howard Hughes, even those who attain material wealth often find themselves spiritually empty, struggling with isolation, fear, and despair. The enemy promises a life of abundance but delivers only emptiness.
In stark contrast, Jesus promises an abundant life full of peace, joy, love, and the fruits of the Spirit. The Greek word “perisson,” translated as “abundant,” means a life that overflows, exceeding expectations and surpassing what we could ever ask or imagine. This abundant life, Jesus says, is available to all who trust in Him.
What does this full life look like? It seems like the life that Jesus Himself lived—a life marked by peace, joy, love, patience, kindness, and the other fruits of the Spirit. For believers, this full life represents the essence of who we are meant to be. It is not just about heaven in the future but about experiencing a remarkable life in Christ here and now. Through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live out this abundant life. The full life is a life surrendered to the Spirit, and it is through the Spirit that the traits of Christ are manifested in us.
Galatians 5:22-23 outlines the “fruits of the Spirit” that define the full life in Christ. These fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we cultivate these qualities, we align ourselves more closely with the life Jesus offers.
1. Be Full of Love (Gal. 5:22)
The first fruit of the Spirit is love. Jesus lived a life of sacrificial love, laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13). This love is unconditional, not based on what others can do for us but rooted in God’s love for us. The full life is a loving life that flows from a deep love for God and others. When we struggle with loving others, it is often a sign that we must strengthen our love for God. Loving God enables us to love others well.
2. Be Full of Joy (Gal. 5:22)
Joy is another fruit of the full life. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). This joy is not based on circumstances but on a deep, abiding satisfaction that comes from obeying God. Jesus found joy in fulfilling the Father’s will, even while suffering. This deep, lasting joy marks the full life that nothing can take away.
3. Be Full of Peace (Gal. 5:22)
As Jesus demonstrates, peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of trust in God’s sovereignty. Jesus’ peace is profound and unshakable, even in hardship. In John 14:27, He promises to give us peace—not as the world gives, but a peace that surpasses understanding. This peace is a key part of the full life, and it comes through prayer and trusting God, as outlined in Philippians 4:6-7.
4. Be Full of Patience (Gal. 5:22)
Patience was a hallmark of Jesus’ life. He showed patience with His disciples, even when they misunderstood Him or failed to grasp His teachings. He also demonstrated incredible patience during His suffering on the cross. The full life is marked by patience with others and God’s timing.
5. Be Full of Kindness and Gentleness (Gal. 5:22-23)
Jesus embodied kindness and gentleness, particularly in His interactions with the weary and broken. In Matthew 11:28-29, He invites all who are burdened to come to Him for rest, offering kindness and gentleness. These qualities are central to the full life in Christ and reflect His compassion for others. Jesus’ kindness and gentleness, displayed in moments like the resurrection of the widow’s son (Luke 7), show that the full life is one of care and compassion toward others.
6. Be Full of Goodness (Gal. 5:22)
Goodness reflects the moral character of Jesus, who always did what was right and good. As believers, we are called to follow His example, desiring to do what is good and right in God’s eyes. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides us in paths of righteousness, and when we follow Him, our lives reflect His goodness.
7. Be Full of Faithfulness (Gal. 5:22)
Faithfulness was a defining characteristic of Jesus’ life. He was unwavering in His commitment to fulfilling God’s will. In John 8:29, He said, “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” The full life is marked by faithfulness to God, prioritizing His will above all else.
8. Be Full of Self-Control (Gal. 5:23)
Self-control was evident in Jesus’ life, particularly in His responses to temptation. In Matthew 4, He resisted Satan’s temptations through the Word of God. Self-control is essential for living the full life, particularly in the face of temptations and trials. With the Spirit’s help, believers can resist sin and live in the freedom Christ offers.
In conclusion, the full life in Christ reflects the fruit of the Spirit. It is a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we are called to pursue this full life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The abundant life Jesus offers is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience today. May we strive to live this full life, just as Jesus did, and bear His fruit in our daily lives.
For those desiring to grow in these areas, joining a Core Class focused on living the full life in Jesus through adopting a lifestyle of Christ may be a helpful step. This 12-week class, starting Sunday, January 26, will offer practical tools to help believers pursue a full life in Christ.
