“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” John 15:11

Remember how we’ve talked about one of the results of abiding in Jesus and obeying his commands is joy? The fruit of the true disciple is joy, and frankly, no matter what.

Jesus wants you to treat others just like he treats you. It’s what shows people around you that you’re a true disciple of Jesus.  The bible uses the word here for joy in two ways. It can either be in feeling or in action.

You are expressing a positive intention about a past or future action/event...
Even how we remember can be covered in joy if we remain in Jesus. And most certainly how we plan to act on some offense in the future matters to Jesus.

How does Jesus want you to love others…

Be filled with JOY, no matter what. Two things stood out to me in trying to understand this statement:  

1. Be joy, in your actions, thoughts and attitude. That kind of freedom is the result of loving Jesus.
2. Expect joy, treat others in joy because you know that whatever is happening will change and be redeemed somehow by Jesus.

Is 51:11 Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

Isaiah 41:28 I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus. I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water. Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.

Isaiah 55:12 You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!

John 7:38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’”