FULLNESS til Love Overflows

by Jill Perry

And now out of his FULLNESS we are fulfilled! And from him we receive grace heaped upon more grace! Moses gave us the Law, but Jesus, the Anointed One, unveils truth wrapped in tender mercy. No one has ever gazed upon the FULLNESS of God’s splendor except the uniquely beloved Son, who is cherished by the Father and held close to his heart. Now he has unfolded to us the FULL explanation of who God truly is! John 1:16-18 TPT

I am a visual learner who served as a children's ministry leader and writer of children's Bible lessons for many years, so perhaps that's why this Scripture brings so many visual aids to my imagination. I picture a big bag being filled with beautifully wrapped gifts, so many, that they won't all fit inside and have no choice but to overflow out of the bag.

• What's inside those gifts? Truth.
• What truth? The truth of Who God is.
• How do we know Who God is? By gazing upon Jesus, Who gazes upon the FULLNESS of God's splendor, reaches into His heart, and demonstrates it for us.
• How does Jesus demonstrate the truth of Who God is? By wrapping that truth in the wrapping paper of tender mercy. Jesus only did as He saw the Father doing, and we are to do as Jesus did. So, it's not enough to just declare truth to people. We must wrap that truth in tender mercy. 

I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its FULLNESS until you overflow! John 10:10
How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the FULLNESS of God! Eph 3:19​

• What is the purpose of this overflow?

I haven’t yet acquired the absolute FULLNESS that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover (Phil 3:12). Show mercy and compassion for others, just as your heavenly Father overflows with mercy and compassion for ALL. Luke 3:36

• How is this overflow poured out on others? 

The overflow of what has been stored in your heart will be seen by your fruit and will be heard in your words. Luke 6:45

May the Lord increase your love until it overflows toward one another and for ALL people. 1 Thess 3:12

• What/Who are you FULL of today?
• What/Who is overflowing from your words and actions?
• What's in the gifts you are called to give away?
• How are they wrapped?
• To whom will you give them? 

I encourage you to gaze upon the FULLNESS of His splendor, allow Him to unfold to you the FULL explanation of Who He truly is - LOVE - then let what He gives you overflow to ALL around you. Remember it's not just about truth. It's about tender mercy. It's about love.