by Leigh Ann Dilley on November 18, 2021
Have you ever wondered what the fullness of God means? The authors of the Bibles have said they hope we experience the fullness of God, but it is a difficult concept to understand or explain. Understanding the fullness of God is something I’ve been praying about for a long time and I’m excited to share what I am learning with you.
First, I think it is important to establish we will never fully experience or understand the fullness of God until we are in His physical presence. How could we? Nothing on earth, compares to Him.
The fullness of God begins with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Once we’ve confessed sin and accepted our need of Jesus as a savior, the Holy Spirit enters in and begins to recreate us.
Fullness is about having more and having it abundantly. Not more stuff by any means, but more belief, more life, more understanding about His word; more assurance, more knowledge of God’s character; more security in God’s ability to care for you; more insight because of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Simply put, the fullness of God is about living with more of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these things there is no law. This means we can’t have too much of these things! We can receive them abundantly! Think about it! The Holy Spirit who produces the fruit resides in us. If we are listening and obeying the promptings of the Spirit, it makes sense we should begin to experience more fruit.
God wants us to have these fruits. He doesn’t make us earn them or withhold them from us. They are gifts to those who believe. Hebrews 11:6b He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Let that sink in. God rewards those who seek Him; by exposing His character, giving us knowledge of Him, and good things from His Spirit. God wants us to live abundantly.
John 10:10 Jesus says, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full! Jesus intentionally gave us the opportunity to have an abundant life. This doesn’t mean we won’t suffer. Essentially, scripture promises that we will, but it does mean we can expect more out of the life Christ offers us. Ephesians: 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be glory. When we see God’s glory reflected in what He has done in our lives, we naturally want more of Him. Do you trust Him enough to allow Him to show you things greater than you could think to ask or imagine?
There are a couple of things the fullness of God is not. This fullness is not meant only for us. It is for us to give out abundantly to others. What does this look like? A better capacity to love and be kind and gentle to those who are difficult and tough to love; a sense of unexplainable peace and even joy during difficult situations; trusting God when we are frustrated, or tested, and yet maintain self-control.
Experiencing the fullness of God does not mean we get everything we want. But the fullness of God guarantees we are fully satisfied with the good things God offers. When we are fully satisfied, the empty things that do not fill us seem less appealing. Are you ready to experience the fullness of God?
