Photo by Steve Harrris on Unsplash
There is a kind of life that simply survives—going through motions, protecting what’s yours, doing just enough to make it through the day. But that is not the life Jesus came to give. His invitation is to abundance—not in possessions or accolades, but in purpose, presence, and peace. Like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name, He calls us into a life that overflows, not leaks. And yet, there is still a thief—a voice that whispers scarcity, fear, and division—working to steal joy, kill hope, and destroy connection.
We are not just passive recipients of life; we are active participants in it. God sets before us a daily choice: life or death, blessing or curse. To choose life is not only to cling to God’s promises for ourselves but also to become carriers of that life into the world around us. Every act of compassion is a declaration that life is worth choosing—not just for you, but for others too. When you listen, when you serve, when you give generously, you echo the Shepherd’s voice to someone wandering in despair.
Compassion flows from the abundance Jesus offers. It is not something we manufacture—it is something we receive and then extend. When we operate from fullness, we’re free to love without calculation, to care without exhaustion, to give without fear of running out. Compassion is abundance on the move. It is how the life we’ve received becomes the life we help others discover.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)
Jesus identifies an enemy who seeks our destruction while revealing His own mission to give us abundant life. By portraying Himself as the Good Shepherd who protects, guides, and nurtures His sheep with selfless love. Because God desires us to experience life beyond mere existence—a rich, meaningful life characterized by His presence and purpose.
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV)
God places before us the most fundamental choice between life-giving obedience and death-bringing disobedience. By making clear the consequences of our choices and appealing to us with parental concern for our well-being. Because our choices affect not only our own lives but the generations that follow us, creating either a legacy of blessing or hardship.
Spiritual Move: Compassion
Compassion is a practice that reflects God’s heart for His creation, responding to the needs of others with love and kindness. This practice draws from the abundant life that God offers, sharing that abundance with others through acts of mercy and care.
Journaling Prompts:
1. In what areas of your life do you sense the “thief” attempting to steal your joy, kill your hope, or destroy your peace? How might you invite Jesus to bring abundance to these areas?
2. Reflect on a time when choosing God’s way led to unexpected blessings. How did that experience shape your understanding of “abundant life”?
Thought and Discussion Questions:
1. What does “abundant life” look like in practical terms for someone following Jesus today?
2. How do our daily choices reveal whether we’re choosing life or death?
3. What obstacles make it difficult for you to consistently choose life?
4. How might practicing celebration help us experience more of the abundant life Jesus offers?
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