“And these we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1John1:4

Some translations read “our joy” and some read “your joy.” In the context of 1 John, “your joy” is more applicable, as well as in the context of the whole Bible. Yes, seeing someone else walk in the light with God is something that brings joy to us, but our full joy doesn’t come from outward circumstances but from within. John has a joy in him that you cannot take from him, because it is the joy of knowing he is walking with Christ, knowing he is having fellowship with the Father, knowing he is abiding in Him. John writes specifically to the “little children” in the faith to encourage them to also have this same joy and understanding.

Paul in the book of Philippians speaks all about joy, which all comes from living the life that God has called you to. Yes, he has joy in seeing the Philippians participate in God’s plan as well, but his inner joy is untouched by his current afflictions.

At the end of Hebrews (12:2) Jesus is mentioned as having accomplished everything at the cross all for the “joy set before Him.” We think “that joy was Him looking at our pretty little faces.” Well, we were included in that joy, but not the main focus. The main focus of Jesus was to accomplish His Father’s will, which included our redemption, and could never have been accomplished unless He continually “walked in the light” with His Heavenly Father.

This is John’s point. No matter what the world throws at you, you can have full joy knowing that you are abiding in Him and He in you.