Because of this, the love of God is a reality among us: God sent His only Son into the world so that we could find true life through Him. 1 John 4:9 VOICE
Advent is now over and a New Year awaits us in a few days. But even though the Christmas season may be over, the gifts that were given us by Jesus should continue to be seen and used. Scripture tells us the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love actually are part of Jesus Himself given to those who receive His gift of Salvation. Hope: To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27 Peace: My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:27 Joy: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 Love: I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. John 15:9
All of these are within us through Holy Spirit for us to remember Jesus is our hope, peace, joy and love. They are also there to access as we live and walk in this world so we can have hope when things seem hopeless. Peace even when life gives us stress, anxiety, sorry and fear. Joy even though our hearts may be breaking and the bottom is falling out of our lives. And a love that sees beyond the surface and we begin to see others through the eyes of God with compassion.
Beloved of God, this world needs Jesus desperately and through these gifts we can show the world who Jesus truly is. How much He loves them and that He came into this world to save them not judge them (John 3:17). When we function in these gifts, we show others how Jesus transformed our lives with His love and He can do the same for them. People don’t need to hear about Jesus, they need to experience Him to know He’s real and they can have true life through Him.
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