1Pe 1:8
and though you have not seen Him (Jesus), you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Chara Aneklaletos - joy inexpressible - the kind of joy that is so filling and powerful that you cannot describe it.
Think of the times you were so filled with joy that you could barely describe it...
...that surprise birthday party your family had for you.
...the reunion with your best friend after all those years.
...that special Christmas gift you thought you'd never get.
...the delivery of your first child.
...the award and recognition you received when you had no idea.
This same kind of joy is mentioned here as both when you first came to Christ and also as you realize what He can do for you. He's a Counsellor. Protector. Savior. Friend.
Especially friend.
A friend who forgives and forgets. A friend who listens, really listens. A friend who is always nearby. A friend who cries when you cry, laughs when you laugh, and picks you up when you've fallen.
I see why Peter gives the best possible explanation in this relationship: it can't be explained at all! It's a joy beyond words.
Steve came to my office, bitter and angry. But within the hour, he had his questions answered about Jesus, eternity, sorrow, love, and hope. Steve opened up his heart and let Christ take over. I will always remember the joy that came over his face. Steve was a changed man. He tried to describe the release, joy, excitement and hope he now had, but he couldn't get it out.
He didn't need to. Words wouldn't fit.
But his life helped make the description. Steve's life was one great big nonverbal description of his love and joy in Christ.
and though you have not seen Him (Jesus), you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
Chara Aneklaletos - joy inexpressible - the kind of joy that is so filling and powerful that you cannot describe it.
Think of the times you were so filled with joy that you could barely describe it...
...that surprise birthday party your family had for you.
...the reunion with your best friend after all those years.
...that special Christmas gift you thought you'd never get.
...the delivery of your first child.
...the award and recognition you received when you had no idea.
This same kind of joy is mentioned here as both when you first came to Christ and also as you realize what He can do for you. He's a Counsellor. Protector. Savior. Friend.
Especially friend.
A friend who forgives and forgets. A friend who listens, really listens. A friend who is always nearby. A friend who cries when you cry, laughs when you laugh, and picks you up when you've fallen.
I see why Peter gives the best possible explanation in this relationship: it can't be explained at all! It's a joy beyond words.
Steve came to my office, bitter and angry. But within the hour, he had his questions answered about Jesus, eternity, sorrow, love, and hope. Steve opened up his heart and let Christ take over. I will always remember the joy that came over his face. Steve was a changed man. He tried to describe the release, joy, excitement and hope he now had, but he couldn't get it out.
He didn't need to. Words wouldn't fit.
But his life helped make the description. Steve's life was one great big nonverbal description of his love and joy in Christ.
