Introduction

Most of us who follow Christ are deeply familiar with the promise of eternal life. It’s one of the most foundational truths of the Christian faith—that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are forgiven, redeemed, and granted life forever with God in heaven, in paradise.

That’s exciting, to say the least. Not to mention the idea that it sounds way better than the alternative.

But then sometimes, Jesus talks about something that He refers to as abundant life, or having life to the full (depending on the translation):

He says this in the present tense, as though there is something more for His followers than just eternity with Him in paradise (as if that’s not enough!). Something right here, right now.

So, what does He mean by that? That’s what I’d like to explore this week.

Life… More Abundantly

The Greek word used here for “life” is zoē, which means not just biological existence, but the highest quality of life—real, genuine, active, and blessed. And “to the full” (perissos) means overflowing, more than enough, exceeding expectations.

Here’s one thing that comes to my mind when I hear this: we’re not talking about a big, fancy wine glass filled a quarter of the way with decent wine. No, friends, we’re talking about a big, fancy wine glass filled so full that it’s spilling all over the place. And the wine itself is exquisite, better than anything you’ve ever tasted.

So what is this abundant, overflowing life to the full that Jesus is talking about? And how do we live in it before we ever set foot in heaven?

I’d like to share some thoughts on how this journey has been for me.

More Than Heaven—Peace Here and Now

One of the greatest blessings I’ve experienced in my walk with Christ is His peace. Not just a fleeting sense of calm, but the deep-rooted shalom—the wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being that can carry you through life’s toughest storms. And I’ve experienced my fair share of storms–from stressful jobs, to losing jobs, to losing loved ones, and many others along the way.

And yet, as I’ve grown in my relationship with Jesus, I’ve learned (of course, not perfectly) how to take Jesus up on this offer that He made to His disciples, and to us:

That promise has held me up through countless moments of uncertainty and stress. As I mentioned, I’ve walked through many stormy seasons, and yet time and again, God’s peace has met me in the middle of it. This is not the kind of life we endure—it’s the kind of life we overcome, because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

He is training us and has shown us how to be overcomers.

Gratitude That Transforms

Another part of the abundant life Jesus gives us is the ability to live with gratitude. Not forced thankfulness, but genuine joy in the blessings we’ve been given—especially when they’re easy to overlook.

Paul writes:

Christ has taught me to recognize beauty in the ordinary: a flowering hibiscus in my garden, a bike ride this afternoon with my wife, a giant grin or endless chatter from my two grandsons. Abundance isn’t about having more—it’s about seeing the more in what we already have, in the world around us.

That posture of gratitude has made my life truly rich, even when material resources were scarce.

The Right Perspective Changes Everything

Finally, abundant life means living with a kingdom perspective. Life on earth can be incredibly difficult. Jesus never said it wouldn’t be. But He did promise that when we align our view with God’s purposes, it changes the way we see our circumstances.

Paul writes:

And in Romans 8:31, Paul gives us this anchor:

When I lift my gaze above the current challenge, when I remember that the King of the universe is not only aware of my situation but actively working all things for my good (Romans 8:28), it reframes everything. What once seemed impossible now becomes endurable—even meaningful.

It has taken me a long time to get to this posture of heart, but I’ve finally come to believe strongly that even when it seems like there is no way to get through or around whatever challenge I’m facing, God will find a way, or make one that I had never imagined.

So What About You?

Are you living with the expectation of eternal life but missing out on the abundant life available today? Or are you already engaging with this idea of living life to the full here and now?

Jesus didn’t come just to prepare a place for us in heaven—He came to transform our hearts, our outlook, and our daily lives today.

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Jesus, in John 17:3 (NIV)

Abundant life isn’t just about what we receive—it’s about who we know. And how that relationship changes everything.

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What to Do Now

Take some time this week to reflect:

• Where am I not living in the abundance Jesus promised?
• Have I been missing the peace, gratitude, and perspective He offers?
• How can I invite Jesus into the here-and-now parts of my life—not just the eternal ones?

Ask Him to open your eyes to the fullness of life He came to give.

And if you’ve experienced moments of God’s abundant life in surprising or unexpected ways, I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Or tell others—it’s a great way to convey how knowing Jesus has transformed your life.

Let’s encourage each other to walk not only toward heaven—but in the joy, peace, and richness of God’s presence today.