What is the difference between joy and being happy, I was asked? For a Christian, I answered, “Joy” is an attribute of the “Fruit of the Spirit.”
The Fruit of the Spirit are God’s attribute, which is a gift that Father God offers to His children, which is our choice to receive.
So I concluded with, “do you know that the attributes of the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance) is a big part of an “abundant life” for Christians?
Today I would like to expound more by bringing more emphasis to the attribute of the spirit “JOY!”
Joy is a state of being! Joy is not determined by our circumstances. Being happy is determined by our circumstances!
The Biblical description of JOY is found in Nehemiah 8:10, which explains that the “joy of the LORD is our strength” to live life above any circumstances that come our way. Nehemiah encouraged the people to not grieve or be worried, but rather have JOY in the LORD.
A person with “Joy” proclaims, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me!”
Friends, living life with JOY is experiencing God everyday in our lives!
Jesus knew the gift of “JOY!” We read in Hebrews 12:2 – “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus went to the CROSS with JOY! Now, I don’t know about you, but I believe being crucified on a Cross is a serious circumstance to be in!
Jesus is our example to follow. He suffered unbearable circumstances for us on the Cross. But, He stated that it was JOY to endure the Cross for you and me!
Do you have JOY today?
What is preventing you from having JOY?
I must say, we are without excuse!
This Sunday, we celebrate Easter to commemorate the blessed gift of the Finished Work of the Cross done by Jesus. And, He said it was JOY!
Today, let’s purpose in our hearts to have JOY every day, allowing NO ONE to STEAL our JOY! Jesus didn’t! He went to the CROSS with JOY for each of us!
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