In John 10:10, Jesus offers a profound contrast:

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV)

Christ’s purpose is clear—He came to offer us life, not just in the distant future, but life that is abundant, full, and meaningful even now. But what does that truly look like in our day-to-day experience?

We often read this verse and nod in agreement, understanding that Jesus gave His life so that we could have victory over death and receive eternal life as children in God’s Kingdom. That hope of eternal life and the Kingdom of God is at the heart of the gospel. However, what about the life we are living right now—in the flesh, in a world that can still have difficult moments? Are we experiencing that abundant life today?

Let’s be clear: this is not about the so-called misguided “health and wealth” gospel. Abundance in Christ is not defined by material gain. Rather, it is about living a life rich in peace, love, purpose, and joy—qualities that are given through the power of God’s Holy Spirit working in us.

What Steals Our Joy?

Scripture tells us that the fruit of the Spirit includes joy (Galatians 5:22). This joy is not based on favorable circumstances; it is rooted in a confident expectation of God's goodness, faithfulness, and ultimate plan. It is joy that sustains us even when we are walking through the valleys of life.

But the thief—Satan—still seeks to diminish that joy. He doesn’t necessarily take it directly. Instead, he persuades us to hold on to things that slowly chip away at it: bitterness, resentment, unresolved hurt, fear, comparison, guilt, and anger. These are subtle tools that can drain the joy that God makes possible.

Are You Holding on to Past Hurts?

One major way joy is stolen is through unhealed emotional wounds. I recently heard about a mature Christian who still carried pain from something that happened decades ago within the church community. The offense was not great, yet its effect was lasting for this individual. It reminded me how easily we can cling to hurts—sometimes even minor ones—and how much they can rob us of the joy and peace God intends for us.

If we're honest, many of us have similar experiences. Perhaps someone wronged you, ignored you, misunderstood you, or let you down. These moments stick with us and, if left unaddressed, they can quietly dominate our thoughts and emotions. What past hurt are you still holding on to that’s stealing your joy?

Letting Go and Finding Healing

Jesus came to bring us life—and to turn from sin, but also to loosen the emotional burdens that weigh us down. If we want to live more abundantly we start by taking our hurts to God. This begins with prayer.

Acknowledge the pain. Tell God what happened, how it made you feel, and ask for His healing. Christ is not without understanding and has experienced the hurts of betrayal. Healing may not come instantly—it may be a journey—but God is near and faithful. As Psalm 34:18 says:

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Ask Him to remove the bitterness that has taken root. Consider Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:30–32:

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

When we choose to forgive and not hold on to bitterness, we stop “grieving” or hindering God’s Spirit. In doing so, we open the door to experience joy more fully, as well as the full range of the fruit of the Spirit: love, peace, patience, and kindness.

Abundant Life Possible

Abundant life isn't just a future promise—it’s a present reality available to us through the Spirit of God. It means letting go of what hinders us and diminishes our capacity to experience joy.

If you’re holding on to past hurts, consider this: those hurts may be the very things that act as thieves and steal your joy. Christ came not only to give us eternal life, but to make it possible for us to live with peace, purpose, and spiritual abundance today.

So ask yourself—what are you still holding on to that may be robbing you of the joy God desires for you? Take it to God in prayer. Let Him begin the work of healing, and step forward to the joy and abundance made possible through Christ.

I hope all you have a joyful Sabbath. Continue to support and pray for those who are going through health challenges and trials.