The Joyful Overflow: Where True Love Begins

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to refine what it means to live as disciples of Jesus Christ—to truly live out the covenants we’ve made—we often get caught up in the *doing*. We focus on the next service call, the next lesson plan, the next time we need to testify with fervor. We think that if we just *act* enough, or *do* enough, our love for our neighbors and for the Savior will shine through.

But what if the engine powering that action isn't duty, but something deeper? Something that bubbles up from the very core of our being?

I was reflecting this week on a talk by John Piper that really hit me, particularly when he addressed the idea of love. We tend to view love through the lens of sacrifice—the hard thing we do for someone else. And while service is everything, Piper challenged that notion, suggesting that love is far more than just a performance of duty by willpower. He argued that true, enduring love is an *overflow* of joy found in God.

Love Flows from Joy, Not Just Willpower

Think about it. When you are genuinely joyful—when you feel the Spirit wash over you in the temple, or when you feel the warmth of the Spirit in a heartfelt missionary discussion—that joy doesn't stay contained. It spills out. It compels you to share the gospel, to be kinder to your family, to serve your ward. That overflow *is* the love. It’s not a calculation of effort; it’s a natural emanation of deep contentment in the Savior.

This concept is a powerful recalibration for us as we strive to be better disciples. It shifts the focus from, “What must I *do* to prove I love God and others?” to, “How can I deepen my joy in God, so that my love for others becomes inevitable?”

This idea resonated so strongly with me that I thought of our own journey. We learn about the eternal nature of our covenants, the glory of the restored gospel, and the profound joy of discipleship. It’s easy to get lost in the *what*—the doctrines, the policies, the next assignment. But Piper reminds us to keep our hearts fixed on the *why*, which is the joy of Him.

If we try to abandon the pursuit of that joy—if we become indifferent to the source of our spiritual delight—then, as Piper suggests, we risk becoming indifferent to the essential element of love itself. It’s a sobering thought, isn't it? That our capacity to love others is directly tethered to our capacity to feel and pursue joy in the Lord.

A Skill for the Internet Missionary

For those of us serving as internet missionaries, this is a vital skill. We are constantly asked to *do* things—post content, answer questions, teach doctrine. But our testimony, our most powerful tool, must come from a place of genuine, abiding joy. When we are genuinely delighted in the plan of salvation, when we feel the weight and wonder of the restored gospel, that delight becomes infectious. That’s what draws the investigator in, not just a perfectly rehearsed answer.

If you’re feeling the strain of the work, or if you’re struggling to find the *enthusiasm* for the next study, I encourage you to revisit this idea. Don't just focus on the action item; focus on the source of the power. Where is your greatest joy found right now? In the covenants? In the scriptures? In the gathering of Israel?

Let’s make a commitment this week to not just *perform* love, but to *pursue* the joy that makes love flow naturally. Let’s deepen our personal study so that our testimonies are not just intellectual assent, but an overflowing joy.

Where to Go From Here

If you want to dig into this further, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod author resources available in LivingBook. There are some excellent articles on finding sustained joy in our covenants. For those who want to practice this principle in fellowship, we’re hosting a virtual Book Club this coming Tuesday evening. It’s a great chance to discuss how our personal joys feed into our service. Details are in the community feed!