Complete..... Joy......

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."  (John 15:11)

When you think of "complete" what do you think of?  "The pattern comes complete with instructions?"  Or...this book case, coffee table, chair - fill in the blank - comes "complete" with instructions and all the pieces you will need -- just maybe not the needed tools?  Or... the wedding, the baby, the adoption has happened and now the family is "complete"?  According to my Webster Collegiate Dictionary ​ "complete" means, filled up, brought to an end, perfectly equipped and (or) fully realized.  According to my theological dictionary "joy" means a sense of extreme happiness and well being related in Scripture to knowing God and God's actions and love, specifically in Jesus Christ.

The readings today are about being complete AND filled with joy.  People were filled with joy, and complete, as Peter is speaking to a crowd when the Holy Spirit came on "all who heard the message" which was a surprise to those who were there with Peter. (Acts 10:44 & 45)  John is explaining to people then, and to us now, how we "love the children of God' by loving God and carrying out his commandments."  (John 5:2)  And Jesus is explaining about God's love - God has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love." AND how this will make our "joy complete."  (John 15:9-11)

Busy schedules, changes in seasons (and schedules) and the difficulties we are all facing doesn't change us.  We ARE "complete" and we do have God's "joy" because of God's presence with each of us.  Our joy, and being complete, is how we can continue to share and encourage each other.  Something to think about.