Galatians 5:22, 23 - JOY IN JESUS!
Galatians 5:22, 23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit
produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against
these things!
INTRODUCTION
Joy is the second of the graces of the
Spirit listed by Paul (Gal. 5:22). True joy is not
found in noisy laughter or in giddy excitement
caused by the worlds shallow pleasures. The
Christian finds his joy in resting in the love of
Christ, in victories won, and in unselfish service
for humanity. Joy will reach its highest
realization in the world to come, but a high degree of
joy may be experienced here and now by those who
abide in Christ. [SDA Bible Commentary re John
15:11]
COMMENTARY PEARL
The idea didnt originate with him, but
actor Matthew McConaughey's perspective on joy was
refreshing to discover on a YouTube video. He nailed it
when he said that HAPPINESS IS A RESPONSE TO
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO AND AROUND US, BUT JOY COMES
FROM WITHIN.
I found it especially refreshing because
the perspective came from a person who lives and
works in a cultural atmosphere that seems to
consider happiness the goal of work, relationships,
food, home, marriage and divorce. If happiness is
absent, joy doesn't stand a chance in that
environment. Or so it is assumed.
But true joy is the "full measure" of the
joy of Jesus within us. Jesus established a
different standard for joy. He knew few human
comforts, frequently not even having a place to rest
his head. His ministry necessitated He walk many
miles to get to those who needed Him. He was
misunderstood by more people than those who understood
Him. Many mocked Him. Few thanked Him adequately
when He went out of His way to help or rescue
them. And we haven't even tapped into the abuse,
the betrayals, the torture, the beatings, His
crucifixion.
He's the One who proposed I could know
inexpressible joy, His joy. And that stirs a passion in me
to dig deeper into Scripture to discover how
the life-altering concept of joy weaves its way
through the most important teachings in the most
important Book. Cynthia Ruchti
Faith Step: Write the word joy upside
down in your nondominant hand. Hard, but
possible. Jesus taught that even when life is upside
down, joy is recognizable. [Mornings With Jesus
2021 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]
CLOSING PEARL
Happiness Come And Goes
Joy Comes And Grows
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Galatians 5:22, 23 - Joy for The Taking.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211101-1019.html
John 17:13 - Joy In Jesus.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2012/20120817-1813.html
LINK TO A MUSICAL SPECIAL ON JOY:
Joy In My Heart by Karen Peck, New River,
and Joy Gardner:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdnQzsnkUQ
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE