Fruits of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Joy (chara):
What is joy? Joy is cheerfulness. It’s seeing a baby smile and the uncontrollable giggle of a child. It is puppy kisses and kitten toes, wildflowers, and rainy days. But the joy of a Christian is more than that. It is deep awareness of God’s grace and favor. It is being able to smile even when facing the most horrible circumstances. It comes from a place of thanksgiving and of laying our burdens at the feet of the Savior who endured the pain that we deserved. When we sit at the feet of Jesus there is joy inexpressible. His voice is quiet, and His confident presence reminds us that no one can separate us from his love.
Peter says in I Peter 1:8-9: “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Friends, there is nothing that brings me more joy than knowing that my future is secure in Christ. It was how the first century Christians were able to stand firm in their faith when they were persecuted, and why many went to their deaths willingly when they were told to deny Him.
The pure presence and nearness of God is joy. It is only found when we quiet our minds of all the distractions of the world and lean into the Word of God. The more time we spend with Him, the more aware we are of His grace towards us which causes our hearts to burst with joy.
There have been a few people in my life who embodied this type of joy, and it wasn’t because their life was easy. Their joy came from pure gratitude for another day of life and resting in assurance of the love of the heavenly Father. Two of these people were called to our heavenly home at a young age and I can only imagine how they rejoiced when Jesus drew them into His arms. And yet there wasn’t a day on this earth, even in the toils and the difficulties, that they didn’t have the biggest grin on their faces. I want to have that kind of joy. Not joy that is determined by circumstances, but joy that comes from inner peace. That is Christian joy.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say rejoice.” Philippians 4:4