The Bible talks a lot about joy, particularly when we are following the way of life that Jesus wants us to follow. We need to transfer the joy that Paul talks about for instance and carry it into our everyday workplaces and homes. Here is what he says:
Philippians 1:24-26
“But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.”
Do we hang in there when things get tough? Do our bad moods or our despair transfer onto others that we meet each day? Our promise to ourselves each morning should be that we will take joy with us and so our joy will overflow and touch all we meet. Now I do not mean to go around with a silly grin pasted to our faces, but just have that inner joy that Paul and others speak of and believe me it will embrace all those around.
Read these passages that mention joy and take on the joy they are speaking about and I’m sure your life, and the lives of those around you, will change.
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Prayer: Loving Jesus, when we follow your way and love others we become animated and alive and our joy radiates from us. We are filled with a wonderful joy and expectation which brings hope, and yet often we spend so much time living a way that is comfortable and safe that we lose our animation. We do not want to be flat and one dimensional. Please help us to realize our full potential so that our hearts can dance with joy. Amen.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
1 John 4:8
The distinguishing mark of a Christian is their confidence in the love of Christ, and the relenting of their hearts to Christ in return. Faith sets its seal on us by enabling us to praise Jesus who “loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) Then love will give in return!
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
In old days, in the earliest time of the Christian religion, this reciprocal love was clearly seen in Jesus’ followers. They were men and women who knew the love of Christ, and rested on it like someone might lean on a trusty cane. The love they felt towards the Lord was not a quiet emotion hidden deep within! They didn’t only speak of their love in private meetings on the first day of the week. When they sang hymns in honor of the crucified savior Jesus Christ, it was with a passion that was so enthusiastic and powerful that it shone through in all their actions, their speech, and even the look in their eyes.
Love to Jesus was a flame which was fueled by the heart of their passion. From there its force burned its way outward to shine brightly into the world. Devotion to the glory of Jesus was the outward sign of all genuine Christians. Due to Christ’s love they risked much, and because of their love to Christ they accomplished much.
And it’s still the same today! We, the children of God, are still ruled in our lives by the power of love. The love of Christ should still cause us to rejoice. Do we feel our hearts lit afire by the Holy Spirit, and then by force of the gratitude they feel as the love of the Savior fills our hearts?
My reader, do you love Him? I urge you not to lay down to sleep tonight before pondering an honest answer to this most important question!
