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Fruits of the Spirit: Where does your JOY come from?

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But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

I thought I would take the next week or so to do a series on the fruits of the spirit, and I’m going to start with Joy.

Real joy, real deep down, feel it in your toes, is a wonderful thing. You feel fulfilled, happy. You want to share it with everyone. You can’t contain it, and you don’t want to.

But what brings real joy to a Christian? Joy begins in worship, it grows out of fellowship with God. Worship involves many components: confession, prayer, introspection, meditation. But it involves celebration, as well. In the Old Testament, Israel seemed to favor celebration. God encourages joy, He encourages celebrating Him, celebrating who He is and what He has done for us, for His people.

Being in God’s presence alone is cause for joy beyond comprehension. What right to we have to approach Him? None! But He longs for us to share His presence. David, in the Psalms, sings of his joy when in communion with the Father.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety.
Psalm 16:8-9

Joy from God comes no matter what the conditions of our lives. Even though he was jailed, Paul found reason to celebrate. His attitude teaches us so many lessons, but most importantly to be joyful in all circumstance, because God is there with us.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again — rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Christ dwelled in Paul, and ultimate joy comes from Christ in us.

Finally, when the Holy Spirit provides us with these fruits. Galatians 5:22-23 (cited above) speaks of the Holy Spirit, and when the Spirit controls our lives these fruits will be produced.

So be joyful in the Lord! Let the fruit of the Holy Spirit manifest itself in you, be joyful, and let the joy of the Lord shine from you onto others!


Posted in General, fruits of the spirit on June 29th, 2008

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Life as a Christian Woman explores Biblical truths as they apply to modern faith and the vital roles we can play in the body of Christ. Some topics are easy, such as Christ died for our sins. Others, like divorce, single parenthood, work, and submission to our spouses are more challenging. Then there are days we just need a good laugh with God. Together, we can learn practical faith in an impractical world.

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