JOY
Joy as we know it is one of the Fruits of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-26 we are instructed about the Fruits of the Spirit. These are attributes or character traits if you want to refer to it that way that all of us as believers are supposed to possess and reflect in our lives.
Joy is one that we many times interchange with happiness. Happiness is fleeting. It usually comes with the circumstance that we are in.
Starbucks coffee brings me happiness. My husband coming in and saying “Let’s eat out tonight. You don’t have to cook” makes me incredibly happy. Get the drift. You are happy but after the event is over the happiness usually does not last. You are ready for the next event.
Joy however lasts forever. Or should I say it better. As believers, as Christ-followers we should have JOY in our savior. That joy should be there no matter what the circumstance we find ourselves in. Joy comes in knowing that He is always there. Joy comes in knowing that we can reach out to Him at any time. Joy comes in knowing that he understands. The list can and should go on and on.
At the end of December, many of you received letters from me asking how committed you were to the mission effort. I hope you have had time to reflect and pray over that letter. It will take some commitment on your part and then some positivity and encouragement regarding others.
I have always said that why would others want to have what we as Christians have when we do not seem to find joy in what we are doing.
As we look at the events in our lives and in our churches, we can be resentful, or we can choose to have joy.
Let us look for ways that we can be hopeful, positive, and determined to spread joy among those who are searching for hope. That is not just for those close to us but for those all over the world.
Let us start with one specific challenge. What can you do this week to bring joy to one person that you know? Think of one person to share Jesus with.
