Life for Christians in the early church was difficult: False teachings. Persecution from society. Opposition to the truth. Sound familiar? Thankfully, Jesus not only gave us an undeserved gift of salvation, but the gift of joy. Full joy. Joy that lasts because it's based on God and not circumstance. John's letter was meant to build up believers and echo that feeling of joy Jesus preached in His ministry. May we begin to remind ourselves how to live in it.