10 Characteristics of the Abundant Life

Following Jesus means we live an abundant life (John 10:10). What is an abundant life? When I think of abundant life, I think of a life lived to the full – a life brimming with vitality, purpose and accomplishment.

Giving our life to Jesus begins the adventure. Here are ten characteristics of the abundant life. You can expect to see these things take root and grow in your life as you continue to follow Jesus.

A life of confidence

When we follow Jesus, we can be sure he leads us in the best way. He directs us to the right decisions at the right time. We don’t stress because he leads, not us! We live with our heads up in strength and power. Knowing we are always going in the right direction yields astounding confidence.

A life of joy

There is a joy from God that is not dependent on circumstances. Jesus gives us joy in times of trouble and turmoil. He multiplies joy when things are going well. Joy marks our lives as followers. This joy is deep and profound and works in tandem with the next characteristic.

A life of peace

Peace is a gift from God. There is a deep inner peace that helps us through every storm of life. We gain this peace as we continually follow Jesus every moment of every day. This peace is based on our faith in Jesus to always have the best plan in place for us, no matter what the circumstance.

A life of power

Jesus promised his followers that they would receive power. When we begin to follow Jesus the power of his Spirit indwells us and we experience power in our words, in our thoughts and in our actions. God’s power is unleashed as we are obedient to his leadership. There is much to this power and it is for God’s glory but as followers it flows through us!

A life of beauty

We behold the beauty of creation and realize that it was made for us by our heavenly Father. We see in the world his handiwork and appreciate it in a way we never did before – a spiritual reality in the physical world!

A life of fulfillment

God created special work just for us (Ephesians 2:10). Now we participate in that work every day, joining with God in his plan for mankind. Because the work of the kingdom that we join in is transformational, we are doing our part to change the world!

A life of hope

We daily live in the ultimate hope of glory! Not only do we experience abundant life while following Jesus on this earth, we will experience the glory of heaven eternally. This is a hope that never perishes or fades. In fact, the more we follow, the more powerful this hope becomes.

A life of love

Since God is love, we follow the one who loves perfectly. Jesus leads us in love. As we follow him, we experience his love. Not only does he love us, he loves through us – a profound life changing experience! Loving God and our neighbors leaves a mark on everyone we come in contact with.

A life with God

When we follow Jesus, we experience the manifest presence of God! His presence is so real. While God does not always manifest himself in a super real way, we know that he is always with us. He never leaves us or forsakes us!

A life free from stress and anxiety

It is natural for us to worry a little because life happens and there are important things that concern us from time to time. But when we follow Jesus, we never have to get swamped with those concerns, nor should they ever become so overwhelming that stress and anxiety take us down. We give our worries and anxieties to him and continue in the abundant life!

These are just ten descriptors of the abundant life! Any one of these is a good reason to follow Jesus. Together, they make it unreasonable not to follow!

Your Turn

Begin by making sure your life is abundant and full! Ask God to help you experience these ten characteristics today.

Make a list of your own of all the ways your life has become so much better since you started following Jesus. You can share this list in the comments or on our Facebook page.