Are You Living an Abundant Life?
Living Fully in God's Love, Joy, and Purpose
Are You Living an Abundant Life?
In March 2005, while flying to Jamaica, God quietly asked me, "Are you living an abundant life?" At first, the question perplexed me. Was He asking because I was troubled in my spirit? I wrestled with it during my vacation, trying to piece together an answer. At the time, I assumed the trip itself—my first to the Caribbean—was part of His answer. But I was wrong.
Looking back, I realize I misunderstood the question. I had equated "abundant life" with travel, relaxation, making friends, and perhaps even dating. For years, I answered this question in a way that focused on outward experiences rather than inward transformation.
It wasn’t until 2024, during a season of fasting and prayer, that I was gently reminded of the true meaning of abundant life. I revisited John 10:10, where Jesus says:
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
This verse led me to an important realization: my understanding had been incomplete. God’s idea of an abundant life is far deeper than material success, physical health, or social activities.
What Does the Bible Say About Abundant Life?
In Scripture, an abundant life is marked by meaning, purpose, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. It is life enriched by God’s love, peace, and joy. It is not defined by what we possess but by the depth of our relationship with Him.
Consider the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. These qualities are the markers of a transformed life—a life aligned with the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, Jesus highlights that abundant living flows from our heart’s devotion:
Luke 6:45: The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good... for out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks. This verse reminds us that true abundance starts within and manifests outwardly in our actions and words.
Loving God Leads to Abundant Living
Abundant living is rooted in our love for God and obedience to His precepts:
Luke 10:27: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
This verse captures the essence of abundant living: loving God fully and extending His love to others.Philippians 4:8-9: Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things... And the God of peace will be with you.
Focusing on what is virtuous and praiseworthy leads to a life filled with peace.
Abundant living is not about avoiding challenges but about walking through them with God’s joy, strength, and purpose. It’s about contentment that transcends circumstances and reflects a life centered on God’s will.
A New Perspective on Abundant Life
When God asked me in 2005 if I was living an abundant life, He wasn’t addressing my travel schedule, social life, or financial success. He was asking if my heart, mind, and actions were aligned with His purpose. If they had been, I wouldn’t have been experiencing burnout—I would have been walking in His joy.
Abundant life is a life in which the fruit of the Spirit is evident. It’s living with trust, leaning on His guidance, and following His precepts. True prosperity isn’t about material gains but about a life filled with love, service, and spiritual fulfillment. This is the abundant life Jesus offers—one that reflects His glory and brings lasting peace.
So let me ask you the same question God asked me:
Are you living an abundant life?
