THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: JOY

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23

REFERENCE:

Galatians 5:22-26

Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit reflects spiritual maturity in our Christian walk; it shows a life yielded to and led by the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the product of the Holy Spirit’s presence in us, just as a fruit derives from the roots. Showing the fruit of the Spirit is the hallmark of true believers; it should be our Christian goal. We will study the fruit of joy today.

Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. Many seek it through entertainment, some in athletics, careers, hobbies, relationships, wealth, status, alcohol, food, drugs, etc. However, all these only give temporary satisfaction; they pacify but never satisfy! The Greek word for Joy is: “Eirene” – it is not the joy that comes from earthly things or triumphing over someone else in a competition. It is that joy whose foundation is God; it springs from the Spirit within.

David said in Psalm 16:11 – “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy….” So, ultimately, abiding in the presence of God will yield the fruit of Joy in us. Prophet Habakkuk found this joy while experiencing business failure and economic collapse. He said, “…Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

HOW TO CULTIVATE JOY:

a.     Be Thankful – To cultivate joy, live a thankful life. Be thankful for what God has given or done for you; thank Him for escapes from calamities and His boundless love and mercy.

b.     Singing – Songs are the fountain spring of Joy. Make melody in your heart, sing in the Spirit, and speak to yourself in Psalms. Songs will revitalize your spirit and change any atmosphere. (Ephesians 5:19)

c.     The Word of God: Nothing restores hope and builds faith like God’s Word. Study and meditate on the Word until it becomes your joy medicine. Jeremiah 15:6 – “Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.”

A joyless Christian is a bitter Christian. Decide always to maintain joy because this life is not a dress rehearsal but your only chance at life. Your joy must come not from where you are in life but who you are in Christ; not necessarily from what you have received but from what you are promised. It should not come from what you have but from Who you have – the Holy Spirit.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL STUDY:

Nehemiah 8:10, Proverbs 17:22, Romans 14:17, and Philippians 4:4.

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PRAYER POINTS

+ Ask for the grace to cultivate the Spirit of Joy already resident in you as a believer.

+ Ask for grace to abide in the presence of God and fellowship with the Holy Spirit, so you can bear joyful fruits that will benefit others.