What Is an Abundant Life?
Abundance is something that we all hope for. But most of us can’t even imagine living with such confidence that we have more than we need for every good thing. As humans, we are prone to worry about every detail of our lives, making security something we are always striving for but never seem to obtain. Even when we have extra it often never feels like it’s quite enough.
When Jesus came to Earth, he spoke of an abundant life. He knew that God’s vision for his people is that we would be filled beyond satisfaction with extra to spare. He proclaimed that God is more than enough for us.
In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus is both shedding light on the spiritual reality we are contending with by letting us know that forces for both good and evil are at work around us, as well as proclaiming that he exists with the purpose of bringing us abundant life. Even though darkness is around us, abundance is something we can have as Christ followers.
What Is an Abundant Life?
Barnes Notes on the Bible helps unpack what Jesus is referring to as he promises a more abundant life. He is speaking of a life that abounds, which paints the picture of not just having what is essential but also being given the things that bring us joy. Jesus is calling us to live and be provided for in not just a minimalistic, bare minimum sort of way. He desires to bestow such mercy on us that we have access to joy, blessings, mercy, peace, and eternity spent with Jesus!
As we “bring Heaven down” (Matthew 6:9) as Christ followers, we are not working to just survive until we leave our bodies; we are called to bring Heaven’s good gifts into this life. Heaven is a place of abundance, extravagance, and fulfillment. Jesus’ plan for his Creation is that they experience life with more than we could ask or imagine at our disposal (Ephesians 3:20).
Abundance is a product of love. Love moves us to desire all the best things for the object of our affection. Just as a groom chooses the most beautiful ring, prepares a lovely home, and covers his bride with praise, God as a result of his great love does the same for us. He even tells us that he is preparing mansions with many rooms for us in Heaven (John 14:2-6). He isn’t preparing tiny apartments for us, he has mansions. Mansions are a symbol of extravagance. God’s love is an abundant one that desires to meet our needs and then some.
How Do We Live an Abundant Life?
An abundant life is one that is connected to its Maker. Matthew 6:33 says it like this, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” As we move towards Jesus – trusting him, following his way, and praying diligently – that’s when the abundance comes. It’s living with eyes fixed on Jesus that we receive all we need and more to thrive in every season and situation.
Abundance is rarely about having a certain amount of a material thing. Nonetheless God does promise to care for our physical needs just as he cares for the birds (Matthew 6:26). Abundance is having access to the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), the hope of Heaven (John 3:16), the power of God (Romans 1:16), and peace at all times (Isaiah 26:3). It's the confidence that we can live with when we understand how loved we are as children of God (Galatians 3:26).
Abundance is the opposite of scarcity, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and suffering. When we have an abundant life, we feel well cared for. We know our needs will be met. We can give freely because we are not afraid that there won’t be enough left for us!
God’s Promise of Abundance Changes Us
When we realize how much God loves us and that his love is a good and generous love, we should be changed. Accepting God’s love and invitation to live a God-sized life means that we take steps of faithful obedience that may seem wild to those around us, but feel just right for us. We can take the road less traveled, the one that Jesus walked, because we have such confidence in God’s goodness that our faith has the power to overcome our propensity to live in fear.
Abundance means we can pray bold prayers! Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Our God desires to care for us. His Word tells us to ask because he is there ready to give us everything we need for every season life brings. What do you need today? Bring this need to the Lord.
A life that aspires to bring Heaven’s goodness down to Earth is a generous one. We can give freely because we know that there is no day that God will not be able to care for us. Luke 6:38 promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” In God’s kingdom, we live with the understanding that we are just a vessel that he fills. As we give of ourselves, he promises to refill us in a way that makes even more space in us for good gifts.
An abundant life is one that reflects Jesus. It means that what we produce looks like love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. An abundant life doesn't look like the world’s definition of success. It’s not about being rich, famous, beautiful, or powerful. It’s having peace, being willing to serve, having humility, and having wisdom as your guide. Abundance does not mean an easy life, but it’s a life that is overflowing with God’s love. It’s a holy confidence that through Christ who gives us strength we can do all things (Philippians 3:19)!
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Mint Images - Tim Robbins
Originally published January 15, 2025.
