I wrote this on Facebook in 2014, and today added a section at the end:
Jesus wants HIS JOY to remain in us, that our joy will be FULL. But this will only happen when we do what He commands — Life in the Son. Jesus’ words in John 15:
9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 IF YOU KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS, YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY LOVE; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you, THAT MY JOY MAY REMAIN IN YOU, AND THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE MADE FULL.
12 “This is my commandment, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS I HAVE loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 YOU ARE MY FRIENDS, IF YOU DO WHATEVER I COMMAND YOU.
And two chapters later, in John 17, Jesus says: “that they may have MY JOY MADE FULL IN THEMSELVES,” and promises to give us His GLORY to help us be ‘ONE’ with each other in Him, “that the world will know.”
But we must do it His way: ONE with each other in Christ “that the world will know!”
Galatians 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. THOSE WHO BELONG TO CHRIST have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.